Children's Assessing Social Worker - Fostering Recruitment & Assessment
- Devon
- Full Time
- £39,862 - £44,075 p.a
We’re excited to be recruiting for 2 full-time Social Workers to join our Fostering Recruitment & Assessment Team in Devon as Assessing Social Workers.
If you're passionate about making a real difference and helping children in foster care to thrive, this is your chance to be part of a dedicated and supportive team, committed to finding the very best homes for children across Devon.
The Fostering and Recruitment Team works across the county of Devon recruiting and assessing prospective foster carers for Devon County Council. Comprised of experienced and skilled, long-standing permanent staff, the Fostering and Recruitment Team is a supportive and positive environment where learning and development for staff is championed.
About the Role
As an Assessing Social Worker within Fostering Recruitment and Assessment, you will be responsible for assessing individuals who apply to become mainstream foster carers for Devon County Council. From the initial assessment of the first application right through to post-panel approval, you will provide expert guidance and support for applicants.
During this process, you will be expected to assess applicants suitability by completing initial fostering visits and a comprehensive, in-depth Form F Fostering Assessment before presenting applicants to the fostering panel.
Following approval from the panel, you will continue to support and supervise the foster carers for a period of up to 3 months, Your guidance, advice, and regular supervision will help ensure safe, supportive, and nurturing fostering environments for Devon’s children.
All responsibilities must be carried out in line with the National Minimum Standards for Fostering, the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011, and any other relevant legislation.
As part of this role you will be expected to:
- Oversee and contribute to quality assurance processes within the service
- Assist in delivering training to both prospective and existing foster carers, supporting local fostering recruitment events
- Champion high standards of professional social work practice across the team
- Demonstrate strong knowledge of fostering regulations and the legal options that enable children to be cared for by individuals within their network
About You
Your skills and experience will include the following:
- Qualified, SWE-registered Children’s Social Worker (ASYE completed)
- Experience in social care assessments (Form F/C desirable, transferable skills welcomed)
- Strong communication skills with the ability to build trusting relationships
- Sound knowledge of fostering regulations, legislation, and guidance
- Experience in fostering or demonstrable transferable skills
- Excellent organisation, recording, and time management skills
- Flexible approach, including occasional evenings and weekends
- Able to work across Fostering Devon’s geographical area
For an informal discussion, please contact Sally Willox, Fostering Recruitment & Assessment Team Manager, sally.willox@devon.gov.uk
Click here to see the Job Description
Working for Devon County Council
In return for your vital contribution, we offer an excellent range of employee benefits, including:
- Generous annual leave
- Free onsite parking
- Employee Assistance Program for support when needed, plus a variety of well-being services
- Membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance, including remote work options
- Discounts at over 900 national & local retailers through our benefits platform
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
Application Deadline: 12/07/2026. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted promptly to arrange interviews. This advert may close early if a high number of applications are received, therefore we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Please note: This vacancy is not eligible for sponsorship or resettlement.
For more information about working for Devon, please visit our Working for Devon page.
Internal Applicants: Please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to apply.
Additional Information
- This role requires a DBS disclosure
- This role requires confident spoken and written communication skills in English
- We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Please see our Equality and Diversity Website to find out more about how we work towards tackling discrimination, promote equality, and celebrate diversity across Devon.
- The Council supports flexible working arrangements, such as hybrid working, part-time, or compressed hours where able.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- The personal data we collect from you will be processed in line with our privacy notice.
REQ009911 - Children's Social Care
Job Details
- OrganisationDevon County Council
- Work LocationDevon
- Work Postcode
Dependent on successful applicant
- Reference
REQ009911
- Occupational GroupSocial Care & Health
- Salary Details
£39,862 - £44,075 p.a
- Job TermPermanent
- Appointment TypeFull Time
- Hours
37 hours per week
- Closing Date
11/07/2026
- DBS Check Required
Yes