Job Introduction
(Social Worker - Fostering Support and Development Team) (Ref: CSC/26/754/CD)
Directorate: People (Childrens, Adults, Public Health, Education and SEND)
Department: Children’s Services
Salary: £39,823 and £43,425 per annum
Job Status: Full Time Permanent
Hours: 37 per week
Location: Broadside, Chatham
Working style: Mobile - Works from different locations attending meetings, conducting assessment in client’s home or business; maybe occasions where you will need to attend the office.
Closing Date: 20/09/2026
Join Us on Our Journey of change and aspiration. Become a Fostering Social Worker in our Support and Development Team.
Are you ready to be part of a fostering service that’s evolving, innovating, and striving for excellence? An exciting opportunity has arisen for a passionate and skilled Social Worker to join our Support and Development Team at a pivotal time of growth and transformation.
We are building a service that puts children at the heart of everything we do, and we’re looking for someone who shares our vision of creating safe, nurturing, and aspirational environments for children and young people in foster care.
As a Fostering Social Worker, you will
- Champion the needs of children by working closely with foster carers, families, and professionals to ensure every child receives the support they deserve.
- Hold and manage a diverse and complex caseload, using your expertise to navigate challenges and celebrate successes.
- Mentor and support colleagues, contributing to a culture of learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Drive innovation and best practice, helping shape the future of our fostering service during this exciting period of change.
You will be part of a forward-thinking team that values creativity, resilience, and relationship-based practice. Reporting directly to a supportive Team Manager, you will benefit from:
- Regular reflective supervision, both individually and in groups.
- Tailored professional development opportunities, empowering you to grow and thrive at every stage of your career.
- A dynamic and inclusive working environment, where your voice matters and your impact is recognised.
This is more than just a job, it is a chance to be part of something bigger. If you’re ready to make a real difference and help shape the future of fostering, we would love to hear from you.
The successful post holder will be subject to an Enhanced Childrens’ DBS check.
If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please call George Layzell, Service Manager on 01634 333006.
Children matter in Medway, and so do you. It’s an exciting time to join us as we offer competitive pay and conditions and hybrid working. We are committed to helping you to grow and develop throughout your career and reach your full potential. Our practice development offer, whether you are a manager or practitioner, ensures you will be guided, supported and cared for.
Candidates will be offered a competitive basic salary between £38,476 and £41,956 per annum, dependant on your experience, and the potential to earn up to £48,956 per year when market premiums and retention are applied.
Join us and #Make a Difference…
Our Offer
- We are proud to offer a range of benefits including –
- A market allowance of £3,000 per annum (payable in 12 equal instalments)
- A retention payment of £2,000 per annum (payable in April, following 2 years service in Medway)
- A generous annual leave entitlement up to 30 days plus bank holidays
- An excellent local government pension scheme
- An essential car user allowance with option to apply for a lease car after six months.
- Free car parking.
- Hybrid working - enabling you to work from home/office (minimum of 2 days per week will be required in the office). Assessment Teams are office based for duty weeks.
- Relocation package of up to £8,000.
- A range of staff benefits and discounts including access to fantastic discounts and savings on shops and services, travel discounts, health and wellbeing support, and an employee assistance service.
- Access to professional development and support including Community Care Inform.
About You
- You will hold a recognised Social Work qualification eg. Degree in Social Work, PGC in Social Work, CQSW, DipSW or equivalent and be registered with Social Work England.
- You will have successfully completed your ASYE.
- You will have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes (including business use for carrying passengers).
- For further information on the qualifications, skills and experience required, please refer to the Job Profile and Person Specification.
Important Information
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria which are essential for appointment to the role.
- For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.
- Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.
- Please note, we prioritise applications from current Medway Council redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.
- We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.
