Fostering Hub Social Worker

North East Ambition; Sunderland; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed fostering service in the UK is seeking a Fostering Hub Social Worker to oversee the screening and training of prospective foster carers across multiple authorities. This role requires a degree in Social Work and excellent communication skills, as well as adherence to fostering regulations. The position offers a competitive salary and the chance to make a significant impact in the community, supporting children and families in need. Apply now to join an organization dedicated to fostering positive change.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Professional development

Wellbeing activities

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level with appropriate professional qualification in Social Work.
• Current SWE Registration and enhanced DBS clearance.
• Current driving licence and access to transport.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for screening and training prospective foster carers.
• Provide sound advice to prospective foster carers.
• Ensure compliance with fostering standards and regulations.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Knowledge of Children Act 1989

Experience with families and children

Education

Social Work qualification (CSS/CQSW or DipSw, MA SW, BA Hons SW)

Job description

Fostering Hub Social Worker

Grade/Salary: 7/8 (SCP 26-36) £37,280 - £46,142 per annum plus payment of an Essential Car User Allowance of £1239 per annum and 2 % Recruitment and Retention Allowance.

Contract Type: 12 month Fixed Term

Location: Sandhill Centre

Closing date: 12/01/26

Interview Date: 19/01/26

Join our Team

Together for Children Sunderland is on a transformative journey to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in Sunderland. We are an outstanding Ofsted‑rated Children’s service, if you’re committed to helping children, families, and our community thrive and have the skills to support our mission, we would love to hear from you. You can learn more about us here: Together for Children.

Foster with North East is a fostering recruitment hub based within Together for Children. The hub was the first recruitment hub in the country and has led the way in the development of a further nine hubs across the country. The hub manages the initial recruitment stages of prospective foster carers across the 12 local authorities, covering an area from North Yorkshire to Scotland.

About the role

You will be responsible for the initial screening and training of prospective foster carers across the 12 north east local authorities, ensuring that sound advice and guidance is shared with prospective foster carers.

You will need to have sound knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and be able to demonstrate excellent communication and negotiation skills. Experience of working with children, foster carers, parents and other professionals is highly desirable. Knowledge of family finding and matching children with carers would also be an advantage.

A good understanding of the Fostering Regulations, Guidance and National Minimum Standards 2011 (England) is expected.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Due to recent changes in UKVI rules, this role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under the updated eligibility requirements effective 22 July 2025.

We want you to apply if you:

• Educated to degree level with appropriate professional qualification: Social Work (CSS/CQSW or DipSw, MA SW, BA Hons SW)
• Current SWE Registration and enhanced DBS clearance.
• Current driving licence and access to a car or means to mobility support.

Contact Chris James at [e-mail] for an informal discussion.

Why work with us?

Make a difference

Our work matters. The work we do is incredibly rewarding. Join us and make a difference in the lives of our children, families, and community.

Inclusion

Thrive in our diverse and inclusive culture and be part of our employee networks, including Accessibility, LGBTQ+, Racial Equality, Armed Forces and Menopause.

Work‑Life Balance

We offer a hybrid model of working with agile and flexible working arrangements, including part‑time opportunities, flexible hours, and the possibility of remote work arrangements.

Professional Development

Advance your career with our comprehensive induction, supervision, peer support, and supportive environment.

Be part of a happier, healthier workforce

Benefit from our wide range of wellbeing activities and employee assistance programmes.

Attractive Salary, Benefits and Rewards

For additional information please follow this link Together for Children Benefits and rewards.

We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to various ages, disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, beliefs, races, and ethnicities. We aim for our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

We are committed to making our application process accessible to everyone. Please reach out to our EDI Lead [e-mail] or [e-mail] so we can discuss any adjustments or support we can provide during the recruitment process or within the workplace.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked‑after young person, are care experienced, or are a veteran.

Are you ready to make a difference?

Go to North East Jobs - Together for Children - Sunderland, and complete our online application form.