Job Purpose:

To assess, supervise, and support kinship carers (Connected Persons) and Special Guardians, ensuring the safety, stability, and well-being of children placed within family and friends care arrangements. The role includes undertaking robust viability assessments, Special Guardianship assessments, and full Connected Carers fostering assessments, as well as providing ongoing support and supervision to approved carers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Complete timely and evidence-based viability assessments for potential kinship carers.
  

• Undertake Connected Persons Fostering Assessments in line with Fostering Regulations.
  

• Prepare Special Guardianship Order (SGO) assessments for court proceedings, ensuring all safeguarding and permanence considerations are addressed.
  

• Present assessments clearly and professionally to Fostering Panel and the Family Court.
  

• Provide regular supervision, support, and annual reviews to approved family and friends foster carers.
  

• Create and monitor support plans for Special Guardians and kinship carers to promote placement stability.
  

• Support kinship carers through placement transitions, allegations, and training needs.
  

• Hold and manage a mixed caseload of both fostering and kinship care cases.
  

• Ensure case recording is up-to-date, accurate, and compliant with statutory requirements and local procedures.
  

• Liaise with children’s social workers, legal teams, IROs, and other professionals to promote holistic care planning.
  

• Contribute to team meetings, case discussions, and service development.
  

• Participate in training, reflective supervision, and professional development activities.
  

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, research, and best practice in kinship and fostering.
  

Requirements:

• Social Work qualification (e.g., BA/MA Social Work, DipSW or equivalent).
  

• Registration with Social Work England.
  

• Substantial post-qualification experience in children’s social care, particularly fostering or kinship care.
  

• Proven ability to complete high-quality assessments (SGO, Viability, Connected Carer).
  

• Experience supervising foster carers or kinship carers.
  

• Strong understanding of Fostering Regulations, Children Act 1989, and SGOs.
  

• Excellent report writing, communication, and multi-agency working skills.
  

• Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain compliance with statutory timescales.