The City of York’s Fostering Service wants to see all children and young people grow and thrive in foster families if they cannot be at home. We are proud to support young people living in their own community and want to build our plans to ensuring every child can live locally.

We are looking for an experienced, qualified Social Worker that has a sound knowledge of fostering or statutory services and wants to develop their own management skills.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the service, at a time when we are looking to change and shape the future. We know if we improve the communication, training and support offer to our foster carers, it improves the outcomes for children as they are able to form and maintain lifelong relationships with people who care for them.

If you want to be a part of a new, initiative service, that improves and changes children’s lives we want to hear from you.

You will support the Service Manager with the responsibilities for overseeing the service and provide guidance on the following:

• The Fostering Regulations and National Minimum Standards.

• Manage complex cases using a solution focussed response and implementing appropriate care solutions.

• Work to ensure that the welfare and safety of children are promoted and insofar that they continue to maintain lifelong links.

• Where this is not possible, to make the best possible arrangements for the children’s care in other family settings.

• To mentor, guide and be a supportive role model within the service, including taking a lead in group supervision, team around the child meetings, supervising unqualified staff, oversee Social Worker students and AYSE supervision.

We expect:

• You to get to know our foster carers community, listen, support and at times challenge them to deliver the highest outcomes for children and young people.

• Ensure our children have the best care and devotion.

• We want our children to thrive and exceed in all apsects of their lives with our foster families.

• Ensure foster carers have the knowledges, skills and aptitude to meet and care for our most vulnerable children.

• You to work at times underpressure, be organised, resourceful and child focussed.

If you would like to work for York, in a modern office environment close to York’s historic centre and attractions, whilst having the flexibility to work under a hybrid working model, then we would love to hear from you.

The Council is highly committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives and a reward package which recognises your contribution. We can offer flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development. In addition, we also offer a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.

Hybrid working arrangements are available for this role. Each role at CYC is different and your working arrangements will be determined based on the requirements of the role and in collaboration with you and your needs as part of the recruitment process. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team.

This post will be subject to a Police Vetting request.

City of York Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We require the successful candidate to undertake an enhanced Criminal Record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

As this role is public facing, applicants will need to demonstrate, at interview, their competency to converse and provide advice and guidance to members of the public, in spoken English to CEFR level C1: Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously, almost effortlessly. Only a conceptually difficult subject can hinder a natural, smooth flow of language.

For further information or an informal discussion please contact Dawn Atkin, Service Manager, dawn.atkin@york.gov.uk  on 07742766123.

Closing date: Friday 10 November 2023 at 12 midnight

Interview date: Week commencing 20 November 2023