Job summary

As a Social Worker, you are an experienced practitioner who is talented, passionate and reliable. Current registration with Social Work England is essential as well as experience of working within the legal frameworks that support our work.

You will have a sound knowledge of relevant child care legislation, good report writing and oral communication skills and the ability to work to court and fostering panel timescales.

A strong communicator who values collaboration and works effectively with colleagues, carers and partner agencies, you are confident in undertaking assessments, presenting information clearly and making balanced, child-focused recommendations with experience in completing Form F, Special Guardianship and Connected Person assessments.

Main duties of the job

• To supervise and support foster carers, liaising with Social Workers, senior practitioners and Family Workers to enable them to support foster carers and young people appropriately.
• To support the recruitment and assessment process of foster carers to enable more of our vulnerable children to be placed in local placements, near to their family and friends.
• To work with the childs Social Worker to achieve permanence for the child, whether this be through long term fostering or special guardianship.

This role will enable you to continually develop your skills and knowledge, as well as contribute to the ongoing improvement of the services and support we deliver.

Details

• Date posted: 02 November 2026
• Closing date: 22 November 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £38,828 to £40,555 a year Please see advert for full details of pay
• Contract: Fixed term
• Duration: 12 months
• Working pattern: Part-time
• Reference number: F0028-26-0031
• Job locations: Time Square, Market Street, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1JD, United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details of this part time, maternity cover role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Social Work or equivalent.
• Social Work England registration

Desirable

• Specialist relevant experience or training.
• Relevant qualifications or training in therapeutic models.
• Post qualifying Social Work modules.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

About us

The Family Placement Team is a small, welcoming and highly supportive team where strong working relationships are key. We recognise that our work can be complex, so we prioritise peer support, open communication and shared problem-solving.

We work closely with Childrens Social Workers and other professionals to ensure that vulnerable children receive the best possible care and support. Our team is responsible for assessing prospective foster carers, special guardians, connected persons and private foster carers, as well as contributing to foster carer recruitment and delivering training to support carers in their role.

You will be part of a team that values quality practice and takes pride in ensuring children are placed locally with suitable carers whenever possible. With supportive managers, knowledgeable colleagues and dedicated administrative support, you will have the time and space to focus on meaningful work and build strong relationships with those you support.

Employer details

• Employer name: Bracknell Forest Council
• Address: Time Square, Market Street, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1JD, United Kingdom
• Employer's website: https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/