Social Worker (Fostering - Family and Friends Team)

Salary details: £ - £

Make a real positive difference in the lives of children and families – Apply to become a Fostering Social Worker in Derbyshire!

Derbyshire is a large authority divided into six localities: Amber Valley, Chesterfield, Erewash, High Peak (Buxton, Glossop, New Mills, and Matlock), Bolsover and North-East, and South Derbyshire. Our Fostering Service operates across High Peak, South Derbyshire, North East Derbyshire & Chesterfield.

A new and exciting opportunity has arisen for a qualified Social Worker to join Derbyshire’s Family & Friends Fostering Team. In this role you will contribute to the assessment, support, and supervision of Family & Friends Foster carers . You will also contribute to the ongoing development of the team, fostering service and Derbyshire’s commitment to achieving good outcomes for children whilst living with extended family and friends.

This full-time position will require the completion of robust and complex Family and Friends Assessments (Fostering/SGO) in a timely manner, alongside supporting and training Family and Friends Carers.

The successful applicant will be supported through monthly reflective case supervision and initially linked with a mentor in the team. Experience of completing Form K or Form F Assessments is desirable but not essential, however the successful applicant will need to evidence strong assessment and analytical skills and excellent communication skills both written and verbal. We are also looking for applicants who will be committed to working in partnership with carers and other colleagues to ensure children in Derbyshire are able to safely live in homes which meet their needs and where possible remain in the wider family.

Whilst the Family and Friends Team is a County Wide Team – The vacant position is to meet the needs of the service in the Chesterfield area and will be based at the QUAD, Dock Road Chesterfield  - The flexibility to cover other areas in Derbyshire and out of County is needed from time to time – There is also the flexibility to work from home for some of the week.

Derbyshire County Council is ambitious and innovative, offering support to both newly qualified and experienced social workers. We provide a nurturing environment with excellent progression opportunities. Our vision is to inspire and empower children, young people, and their families to be the best they can be.

What can you expect from us?

We value your hard work and commitment, offering a comprehensive package that includes:

• Achievable case loads
• Accelerated pay progression
• Access to training and development opportunities
• Systemic training equivalent to a Post Graduate Certificate
• Excellent supervision and a supportive peer network
• Effective leadership and management
• Career progression and formal qualifications opportunities
• Diverse range of cases for a rewarding career
• Covered DBS fee and Social Work England registration fee reimbursement

Enjoy being a part of our team with benefits such as:

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexi time, allowing up to an additional 2 days of leave per month
• Derbyshire Rewards - Discounts from high street retailers and more
• Generous annual leave and flexi time scheme
• Travel expenses
• Discounts on leisure centre memberships
• Free car parking at most sites
• In-house counselling service
• Occupational Health service
• Access to sessions with a trained physiotherapist
• Cycle to work scheme
• Various Employee Networks championing inclusivity across the council

Make a real positive difference in the lives of children and families – join Derbyshire County Council today

Provisional Interview Dates: 14 July 2025

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. Click here to see our policy on criminal background checks.

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.