Consultant Social Worker

Consultant Social Worker – Fostering Practice & Development | Home + Future | West Sussex

Rate: £350 Per Day
Contract: 3 Months+
Hours: 37 Hours Per Week
Location: Chichester, West Sussex (PO19 1TH)
Working Pattern: Initial training in office, followed by a hybrid arrangement with approximately 2 days per week on-site and the remainder working remotely.

An Exciting Opportunity to Shape the Future of Fostering Practice

Home + Future is seeking an experienced and influential Consultant Social Worker to play a leading role in driving consistency, quality and innovation across regional fostering services.

This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished social work leader to influence fostering practice on a regional scale, supporting the development of standardised guidance, training frameworks and best practice models that will strengthen fostering recruitment, assessment and approval processes.

We are looking for a highly experienced professional who has operated at Principal Social Worker level or above, possesses extensive fostering expertise, and can confidently engage, influence and collaborate with senior stakeholders across multiple organisations.

About the Role

As Consultant Social Worker, you will work closely with fostering leaders, practice specialists and regional partners to support the implementation of key fostering improvement initiatives.

You will take the lead on developing and embedding high-quality, evidence-based fostering practice guidance, ensuring consistency and excellence across the region. The role will involve facilitating workshops, delivering training, engaging stakeholders and supporting strategic programme delivery.

This is a fast-paced role requiring a self-motivated individual who can work independently while building strong collaborative relationships across services.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of regional fostering practice guidance and standards.

• Create and standardise fostering recruitment, assessment and approval training programmes.

• Facilitate workshops, consultation events and training sessions with fostering professionals and stakeholders.

• Support the implementation of regional fostering improvement initiatives and strategic priorities.

• Provide expert advice and guidance on fostering legislation, policy, practice and quality assurance.

• Collaborate with local authorities, fostering services and partner organisations to promote consistency and best practice.

• Review existing processes and identify opportunities to improve outcomes, efficiency and service delivery.

• Develop resources, learning materials and practice tools to support workforce development.

• Engage with senior leaders and operational teams to ensure successful implementation of new frameworks and approaches.

• Support organisational change and continuous improvement within fostering services.

• Contribute to strategic planning and service development activities across the region.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Qualified Social Worker status and current Social Work England registration.

• Significant experience within Fostering Services.

• Experience working as a Principal Social Worker, Practice Lead, Head of Service, Service Manager or equivalent senior leadership role.

• Extensive knowledge of fostering legislation, regulations, standards and statutory guidance.

• Experience developing practice guidance, policies, procedures and workforce development programmes.

• Strong facilitation, presentation and training delivery skills.

• Experience leading practice improvement and service development initiatives.

• Excellent stakeholder management and partnership working skills.

• The ability to influence, motivate and inspire professionals at all levels.

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work independently and deliver to challenging timescales.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to influence fostering practice at a regional level.

• Hybrid working with flexibility.

• High-profile strategic assignment.

• Work alongside senior leaders and fostering experts.

• Make a lasting impact on fostering recruitment, assessment and approval processes.

• Competitive daily rate of £350 per day.

If you are a senior fostering professional with a passion for practice excellence, workforce development and improving outcomes for children and foster families, we would love to hear from you.