Supervising Social Worker - Fostering North & Mid

Our North & Mid Fostering Team is looking for a full-time Supervising Social Worker to support and oversee the foster homes of children and young people living with carers approved by Fostering Devon.

Joining our North & Mid Fostering Team means becoming part of a stable, experienced and highly supportive service where your wellbeing, professional development and ability to make a meaningful difference are genuinely valued.

About the role

As a key part of Devon County Council's corporate parenting responsibilities, our Fostering Service is dedicated to providing safe, nurturing and thriving homes for children and young people across Devon. As a Supervising Social Worker, you will be at the heart of this work, championing excellent social work practice and supporting foster carers.

Drawing on your knowledge of fostering legislation, including the National Minimum Standards for Fostering and the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011, you will provide expert advice, support and supervision to foster carers across North & Mid Devon, helping them to deliver safe, stable and nurturing homes for children and young people.

Led by an established and experienced Team Manager you will benefit from regular opportunities for informal guidance, ad-hoc supervision and day-to-day support. We have an incredibly strong team culture and are committed to creating a supportive, approachable and accessible work environment where you will be encouraged to develop and thrive in your profession. Working alongside Advanced Practitioners you will also receive regular mentoring and practice support.

As a Supervising Social Worker your duties will include undertaking unannounced visits and annual reviews, so you will need to be confident in assisting in the delivery of support groups and training to foster carers. As an advocate of restorative practice you will encourage a collaborative culture, where opportunities for reflection and learning are supported.

To achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people, we recognise the importance of maintaining manageable workloads. That's why our Supervising Social Workers carry a maximum caseload of 15 fostering households when working full-time, giving them the time and capacity to build meaningful relationships and provide high-quality support to foster carers and children.

Every new member of our Fostering Service is supported from day one. Through a comprehensive induction programme and a strong commitment to ongoing learning and development, you'll be welcomed into the team, build confidence in your role and develop the knowledge and skills needed to thrive.

As part of our friendly and inclusive North & Mid Fostering Team, you'll benefit from a collaborative culture that values continuous learning and celebrates success. Regular face-to-face team meetings, reflective supervision and strong peer support provide opportunities to connect with colleagues, share knowledge and continually develop your practice. We encourage restorative practice and relational ways of working, embedding this into daily practice.

With a flexible approach to working that combines homeworking and office-based practice, you'll enjoy a healthy work-life balance while remaining connected to your team.

Skills and Experience
A comprehensive list can be found in the Job Description

• A recognised Social Work qualification and SWE registration
• Completion of your ASYE
• Experience working in multi-agency and court settings
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• A sound understanding of children's social work legislation and theory
• A genuine commitment to putting children at the heart of everything you do

For any queries or an informal discussion about this role, please contact: North & Mid Team Manager - Jo Mclear joann.x.mclear@devon.gov.uk

Click here to see the Job Description

Application Closing Date: 15 November 2026

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.

This vacancy is not eligible for sponsorship or resettlement.

Internal Applicants: Please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to apply.

Working in Children's Social Care at Devon County Council

We offer some fantastic employee benefits, including:

• A generous Relocation Allowance subject to qualifying terms and conditions
• Generous annual leave, and the ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Free onsite parking
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance and well-being services for the times you may need some support
• Promotion of a healthy work-life balance and flexible working options where possible
• A benefits platform that offers discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

Additional Information

• Devon County Council is committed to creating an inclusive, safe and diverse workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment.
• Personal data will be processed in line with our Applicant privacy notice.
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council's use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon

This role requires

• A suitable DBS check.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Confidence and fluency in spoken English.

REQ010825 - Children's Social Care