Support Worker
Budwood - Bournemouth, Dorset
£36,768.20 to £36,768.20 a year
On-sitePermanentFull time
Support Worker Company: Budwood Limited Contract: Full Time, Permanent Salary: Up to £36,768.20 per annum, including sleep-in shifts (dependent on qualification and experience) Location: Bournemouth Specific Hours: 38.5 hours per week - shift pattern on rotation Are you looking for a job where you can genuinely change a young person's life? Budwood, part of the Polaris Community, provides care and support for children and young people. Many of the young people have experienced difficult starts in life - that's why what we do really matters. We create safe, stable and supportive homes where young people can rebuild their confidence, learn new skills and move towards a more positive future. This is more than just a job - it's an opportunity to make a real difference. We're looking for caring and motivated Support Workers to join our supported accommodation team in Bournemouth. No two days are the same, and you'll play a key role in supporting young people, building positive relationships and helping them reach their potential. You don't need to have lots of experience - just the right attitude, willingness to learn and a genuine desire to help others. We'll support you with full training, so you feel confident in your role from day one. At Budwood, you'll be part of a supportive, friendly team where you are valued, encouraged and given the opportunity to grow. About the Role We're looking for a caring and reliable Support Worker to join our team, supporting children and young people in a safe and welcoming home. In this role, you will: Support young people with their daily routines Build positive relationships and be a trusted adult Help them develop confidence, life skills and independence Keep them safe, supported and encouraged every day If you have experience of working with young people, that will really help, but we understand that this may be your first time doing this type of work. We will give you all the training and support you need to do the role. Working Pattern You will work on a shift rota. Each shift is 24 hours long, including a paid sleep-in at the home, and you will typically complete two or three shifts in a row. You will work a mixture of weekdays and weekends. Overtime opportunities are available. Requirements Hold a Level 3 qualification in childcare, health and social care or equivalent, or be willing to work towards it Friendly, with strong communication and listening skills when speaking with children and colleagues What We Offer Comprehensive training Up to 6 weeks' holiday per year Company pension scheme £64 per sleep-in All meals provided while on duty Access to the Exchange Employee Discount Scheme Wellbeing support through the Exchange Provision Career progression opportunities Monthly clinical and professional supervision Access to therapeutic support If you want to build a meaningful career supporting young people, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and join a team making a difference every day. Applications for casual bank roles will also be considered. Budwood Limited is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. Budwood Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
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Residential Childcare Support Worker
Budwood - Bournemouth, Dorset
£12.79 to £14.50 an hour
ContractPart time
Residential Childcare Support Worker Company: Budwood Limited Contract: Casual Salary: £12.79 - £14.50 per hour, dependent on qualification and experience Location: Bournemouth Specific Hours: Shift pattern on rotation - ad hoc cover Introduction Are you looking for a job where you can genuinely change a young person's life? Budwood, part of the Polaris Community, provides residential care and support for children and young people. Many of the young people have experienced difficult starts in life - that's why what we do really matters. We create safe, stable and supportive homes where young people can rebuild their confidence, learn new skills and move towards a more positive future. This is more than just a job - it's an opportunity to make a real difference. We're looking for caring and motivated Casual Residential Support Workers to join our team in Bournemouth. No two days are the same, and you'll play a key role in supporting young people, building positive relationships and helping them reach their potential. You don't need to have lots of experience - just the right attitude, willingness to learn and a genuine desire to help others. We'll support you with full training, so you feel confident in your role from day one. At Budwood, you'll be part of a supportive, friendly team where you are valued, encouraged and given the opportunity to grow. What is the job? We're looking for caring and reliable Casual Residential Support Workers to join our team, supporting children and young people in a safe and welcoming home. In this role, you will: Support young people with their daily routines Build positive relationships and be a trusted adult Help them develop confidence, life skills and independence Keep them safe, supported and encouraged every day If you have had experience of working with children or young people that will really help, but we understand that this may be your first time doing this type of work. We will give you all the training and support you need to do the role. Requirements for the role: Hold a Level 3 qualification in Childcare, Health and Social Care or equivalent, or be willing to work towards it Friendly, able to speak as well as listen to children and colleagues Willing to complete an enhanced DBS check, cost covered by us What we offer: A sleep-in allowance of £64 per night Holiday accrual All meals on duty are provided Promotion opportunities Monthly clinical and professional supervision If you want to build a meaningful career supporting young people, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and join a team making a real difference - every single day. Applications for full time, permanent roles will also be considered. Budwood Limited is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
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Residential Childcare Support Worker
Budwood - Poole, Dorset
£12.70 to £14.50 an hour
ContractPart time
Residential Childcare Support Worker Company: Budwood Limited Contract: Casual Salary: £12.79 - £14.50 per hour, dependent on qualification and experience Location: Poole Specific Hours: Shift pattern on rotation - ad hoc cover Introduction Are you looking for a job where you can genuinely change a young person's life? Budwood, part of the Polaris Community, provides residential care and support for children and young people. Many of the young people have experienced difficult starts in life - that's why what we do really matters. We create safe, stable and supportive homes where young people can rebuild their confidence, learn new skills and move towards a more positive future. This is more than just a job - it's an opportunity to make a real difference. We're looking for caring and motivated Casual Residential Support Workers to join our team in Poole. No two days are the same, and you'll play a key role in supporting young people, building positive relationships and helping them reach their potential. You don't need to have lots of experience - just the right attitude, willingness to learn and a genuine desire to help others. We'll support you with full training, so you feel confident in your role from day one. At Budwood, you'll be part of a supportive, friendly team where you are valued, encouraged and given the opportunity to grow. What is the job? We're looking for caring and reliable Casual Residential Support Workers to join our team, supporting children and young people in a safe and welcoming home. In this role, you will: Support young people with their daily routines Build positive relationships and be a trusted adult Help them develop confidence, life skills and independence Keep them safe, supported and encouraged every day If you have had experience of working with children or young people that will really help, but we understand that this may be your first time doing this type of work. We will give you all the training and support you need to do the role. Requirements for the role: Hold a Level 3 qualification in Childcare, Health and Social Care or equivalent, or be willing to work towards it Friendly, able to speak as well as listen to children and colleagues Willing to complete an enhanced DBS check, cost covered by us What we offer: A sleep-in allowance of £64 per night Holiday accrual All meals on duty are provided Promotion opportunities Monthly clinical and professional supervision If you want to build a meaningful career supporting young people, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and join a team making a real difference - every single day. Applications for full time, permanent roles will also be considered. Budwood Limited is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
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Dual Residential Registered Manager
Budwood - Poole, Dorset
£54,000 to £54,000 a year
PermanentFull time
Budwood Dual Residential Registered Manager Location: Poole Contract: Full Time, Permanent Salary: up to £54,000 per annum Hours: 40 hours per week Benefits 33 days' annual leave All meals provided while on duty Company pension Access to our Exchange Employee Discount Scheme Access to wellbeing programmes via our Exchange Provision Access to Therapeutic Parenting (DDP Level 1) training and a Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare Monthly clinical and professional supervision, with access to therapeutic support About Us Budwood, part of the Polaris Community, has four children's homes and six supported accommodation homes for young people aged 16+ across Dorset and Hampshire. Our services range from multi-occupancy to single-occupancy provision. We are extremely proud of the growth and commitment of both our employees and young people, and we are a valued, accredited and highly respected provider within the sector. We are looking for a passionate and motivated Dual Residential Registered Manager to lead and manage two solo children's homes in the Poole area. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Deputy Manager ready to progress into a Registered Manager position, or for an existing Registered Manager seeking a fresh challenge and the opportunity to oversee two services. As the Dual Residential Registered Manager, you will be responsible for the leadership, management and development of both homes, ensuring each service consistently meets the requirements of the Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards. You will ensure that care is delivered in line with statutory requirements and Budwood policies and procedures. Reporting to the Responsible Individual, you will work closely with other Registered Managers across the region to ensure the effective operation of services. You will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of both homes, including staff supervision and development, care planning, safeguarding, quality assurance and building positive relationships with local authority partners and stakeholders. You will be supported by an experienced network of professionals across clinical services, education, quality assurance, HR and training, alongside dedicated Area Manager support. This will ensure you have the resources and guidance needed to succeed and achieve the very best outcomes for young people. Main Duties Lead, manage, coordinate and develop two high-quality children's residential homes, ensuring positive outcomes for young people Promote partnership working with young people, their families, colleagues and external agencies to ensure individual needs are effectively met Provide effective leadership by implementing organisational strategies and objectives, supporting the continued success and growth of Budwood Promote team development, engagement and effective team working across both homes Maximise staff effectiveness through motivation, development, coaching and the application of Budwood personnel policies and procedures Lead on setting standards, monitoring performance and driving continuous improvement across both services Contribute to the development of corporate policies, service initiatives and good practice aimed at enhancing the quality of care provided by Budwood Set, monitor and review targets and objectives for both staff teams, ensuring clear direction and accountability Provide operational management of both homes and deploy staffing resources effectively to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of services, including participation in an out-of-hours on-call rota Line manage staff teams across both homes, ensuring all employees receive appropriate induction, supervision, performance reviews and support Ensure effective communication systems are in place and that key information flows efficiently within and between both services Oversee referrals, admissions and transitions, ensuring placements are appropriate and young people's needs can be effectively met Ensure continuity of care and support for young people, minimising risks and promoting stability and positive behavioural outcomes Ensure all Budwood policies, procedures, Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards are implemented and adhered to at all times Actively participate in recruitment, retention, grievance, disciplinary and other staffing matters, with support from the Responsible Individual and HR team Identify staff training and development needs and ensure these are met through training, coaching and mentoring opportunities Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation, regulations and organisational policies Regularly inspect and monitor both properties, ensuring buildings, equipment, furnishings and grounds are safe, well-maintained and fit for purpose Manage budgets, financial controls, administration and record-keeping in line with organisational expectations and procedures Promote and implement the organisation's equality, diversity and inclusion policies and practices Ensure all staff understand and consistently implement safeguarding and child protection procedures Build and maintain effective relationships with Ofsted, local authorities, external professionals and other stakeholders Ensure both homes remain compliant and consistently strive towards achieving and sustaining Good or Outstanding Ofsted outcomes Undertake any other duties as reasonably required by the Responsible Individual Essential Criteria Hold a Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, or be willing to work towards this Experience as a Registered Manager, or relevant management experience with the ability and readiness to progress through Ofsted registration A strong understanding of the Children's Homes Regulations 2015 and experience of delivering against the Quality Standards for children's homes Experience of supporting children and young people with emotional and behavioural needs, or experience within social care, residential childcare or youth work Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle, as this role will involve travel Budwood is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. Budwood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Budwood.
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Senior / Supervising Social Worker
FCA - Ivybridge, Devon
£40,081.10 to £40,081.10 a year
HybridContractPart time
Foster Care Associates (The FCA) Role: Senior / Supervising Social Worker Hours: 22.5 hours per week Salary: Up to £40,081.10 per annum FTE, depending on experience Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract Base Location: Ivybridge Covering Area: South West - Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall Ofsted Rating: Outstanding, 2026 Benefits £2,000 car allowance 30 days' annual leave, rising to 35 days with length of service Bank holidays Life assurance Employee Discount Scheme & Medical Cash Plan All benefits will be pro-rated Help transform the lives of children and young people across Cornwall and Plymouth. Join Foster Care Associates, one of the UK's leading independent fostering agencies and part of the Polaris Community. With an Outstanding Ofsted rating and a strong reputation for supporting both children and staff, we're looking for a passionate, highly motivated and enthusiastic Senior / Supervising Social Worker to join our friendly and highly supportive South West team. About Us Set up by a former Foster Parent and former social worker in 1994, Foster Care Associates (FCA) is an established fostering agency which forms part of the Polaris Community, one of the UK's largest communities of children's services providers. The business was born out of an enthusiasm for delivering fostering services to make a positive difference to the lives of looked-after children. Our first office was in the Worcestershire countryside, and that's still where our head office is today. We've come a long way since those early days and, over the years, FCA has built a strong reputation for excellence and now offers a wide range of services to children and families. But our purpose remains the same: 'to make a positive and lasting difference for children, families and communities', and it's underpinned by a series of values designed to help us assist children and young people to reach their full potential. Today, we're one of the country's largest and most experienced independent fostering agencies. But just because we're large doesn't mean we're impersonal. At FCA, we're one big family, and we're committed to supporting every single child and Foster Parent, every single minute of the day. About the Role Our friendly South West team is seeking a Senior / Supervising Social Worker to help support and empower Foster Parents and young people within the Cornwall and Plymouth area. Support Foster Parents and their families to achieve outstanding outcomes for all children and young people in foster care Support and monitor the continued suitability and competence of Foster Parents, ensuring they provide a safe, healthy, nurturing and learning environment for children and young people Ensure that Foster Parents fully understand the fostering task, competencies to be achieved and the standards expected, including complaints and representation procedures as detailed in FCA policies and procedures Provide and record regular supervision to allocated Foster Parents in line with FCA's Operational Standards Work in partnership in a team parenting approach to help identify any needs within the foster family, e.g. respite, activities, therapy and holidays, with all members of the child's network, including contributing to all relevant meetings and any other tasks defined Ensure each child and Foster Parent are fully compliant in respect of all key documentation Attend meetings and/or provide reports for commissioning teams to address individual packages of care Promote the participation of children and young people in the development of the agency and in accessing resources and opportunities in their local community Participate in an out-of-hours support service on a rota basis Undertake occasional initial home visits and Form F assessments You Must Have A social work qualification Professional registration with Social Work England or equivalent Proven ability to produce a high standard of report writing A comprehensive working knowledge of relevant legislation and child safeguarding procedures The South West region covers Somerset, Cornwall, Devon, Torbay and Plymouth, so the role may occasionally require the successful candidate to work in these areas as part of the team; therefore, a willingness to travel is essential Confidence in transporting children and young people in sometimes stressful or difficult situations A full UK driving licence If you're passionate about improving the lives of children and young people and want to work for an Outstanding fostering agency where you'll be valued, supported and encouraged to develop, we'd love to hear from you. Contact For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Naomi Pollard, Registered Manager, at . No agencies please. Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded Disability Confident Employer status by Jobcentre Plus. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
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Fostering Service Manager
FCA - Ivybridge, Devon
£50,000 to £50,000 a year
PermanentFull time
Foster Care Associates (The FCA) Fostering Service Manager Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum, dependent on experience Location: Ivybridge, Devon Latest Ofsted Inspection: Outstanding - 2026 Benefits Company car or £2,000 car allowance 30 days' annual leave, increasing to 35 days with length of service, plus bank holidays Life Assurance Employee Discount Scheme Medical Cash Plan Free on-site parking Ongoing professional development Supportive, family-friendly working environment Help transform the lives of children and young people across Cornwall and Plymouth Join Foster Care Associates, one of the UK's leading independent fostering agencies and part of the Polaris Community. With an Outstanding Ofsted rating and a strong reputation for supporting children, Foster Parents and staff, we are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Fostering Service Manager to join our friendly and supportive South West team. About Us Founded by a former Foster Parent and social worker in 1994, Foster Care Associates (The FCA) is an established fostering agency and forms part of the Polaris Community, one of the UK's leading communities of children's services providers. The business was born from a passion for delivering fostering services that make a positive difference to the lives of looked-after children. Our first office was based in the Worcestershire countryside, where our head office remains today. We have come a long way since those early days. Over the years, The FCA has built a strong reputation for excellence and now offers a wide range of services to children and families. Our purpose remains the same: 'to make a positive and lasting difference for children, families and communities'. This is underpinned by a series of values designed to help children and young people reach their full potential. Today, we are one of the country's largest and most experienced independent fostering agencies while remaining committed to providing personal, responsive support to every child and Foster Parent. About the Role As Fostering Service Manager, you will work closely with local authorities to effectively manage, develop and promote social work services within your remit. You will be accountable for the operational, regulatory and financial performance of the service. Reporting directly to the Registered Manager, you will provide positive and strong leadership to your team, ensuring high-quality care for children and young people while supporting and empowering our Foster Parents. Retention and Support: Build strong, trusting relationships with Foster Parents to enhance retention and satisfaction, ensuring they feel valued and supported at every stage of their journey Wellbeing and Engagement: Foster a culture of empathy and support, prioritising the wellbeing of staff and Foster Parents and creating a positive, inclusive environment Commercial Growth: Develop and implement strategies to support the commercial growth of the agency, helping to ensure long-term sustainability and stability Leadership and Development: Lead a dedicated team of social workers, support their professional development and maintain high standards of practice Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensure the service meets regulatory standards, with a focus on continuous improvement and good practice Stakeholder Engagement: Work collaboratively with local authorities, commissioners and other external partners to promote the agency and strengthen relationships About You We are looking for a compassionate, resilient and inspiring leader with a commitment to delivering positive outcomes for children, young people and Foster Parents. A recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England Experience of supervising and supporting staff, including managing performance, promoting development and maintaining high standards of practice Significant experience in fostering or children's social care management Comprehensive working knowledge of relevant fostering legislation, policies and safeguarding procedures Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, analytical and high-quality reports Strong leadership and team-management skills Excellent communication skills and a commitment to trauma-informed, relationship-based practice when supporting children, young people and Foster Parents Flexibility and willingness to travel as part of the role, including occasional overnight stays if required A full UK driving licence Join us in making a meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people and Foster Parents while helping to build on the success and continued development of a high-performing fostering service. For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Peter Churchill on 07587 666790. Please apply to be considered for this opportunity. No agencies, please. Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. Foster Care Associates has Disability Confident Employer status through Jobcentre Plus. Foster Care Associates is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
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Residential Support Worker
Budwood - Bournemouth, Dorset
£36,768 to £36,768 a year
PermanentFull time
Budwood Residential Support Worker Location: Bournemouth Contract: Full Time, Permanent Salary: Up to £36,768.20 per annum with sleep-in shifts, dependent on qualification and experience Hours: 38.5 hours per week, working on a rotational shift pattern Are you looking for a job where you can genuinely change a young person's life? Budwood, part of the Polaris Community, provides residential care and support for children and young people. Many of the young people we support have experienced difficult starts in life - that's why what we do really matters. We create safe, stable and supportive homes where young people can rebuild their confidence, learn new skills and move towards a more positive future. This is more than just a job - it's an opportunity to make a real difference. We're looking for a caring and motivated Residential Support Worker to join our team in Bournemouth. No two days are the same, and you'll play a key role in supporting young people, building positive relationships and helping them reach their potential. You don't need to have lots of experience - just the right attitude, a willingness to learn and a genuine desire to help others. We'll support you with full training so you feel confident in your role from day one. At Budwood, you'll be part of a supportive and friendly team where you are valued, encouraged and given the opportunity to grow. About the Role As a Residential Support Worker, you will support children and young people in a safe and welcoming home. Support young people with their daily routines Build positive relationships and be a trusted adult Help young people develop confidence, life skills and independence Keep young people safe, supported and encouraged every day Experience of working with children or young people would be beneficial, but we understand this may be your first time working in this type of role. We will provide all the training and support you need to succeed. Working Pattern You will work on a rotational shift pattern. Shifts are 24 hours and include a paid sleep-in at the home. You will typically complete two or three shifts in a row and work a mixture of weekdays and weekends. Opportunities to work additional overtime may also be available. Requirements Hold a Level 3 qualification in Childcare, Health and Social Care or equivalent, or be willing to work towards one Be friendly and approachable, with the ability to communicate effectively and listen to children, young people and colleagues Be willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Budwood What We Offer Comprehensive training Up to six weeks' holiday per year Company pension scheme £64 sleep-in allowance per night All meals provided while on duty Access to the Exchange Employee Discount Scheme Wellbeing support through the Exchange Provision Career progression opportunities Monthly clinical and professional supervision, with access to therapeutic support If you want to build a meaningful career supporting young people, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and join a team making a real difference - every single day. Budwood is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. Budwood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
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Residential Childcare Support Worker
Budwood - Dorchester, Dorset
£12.79 to £14.50 an hour
On-siteContractPart time
Residential Childcare Support Worker Company: Budwood Limited Contract: Casual Salary: £12.79 - £14.50 per hour, dependent on qualification and experience Location: Dorchester Specific Hours: Shift pattern on rotation, ad hoc cover Introduction Are you looking for a job where you can genuinely change a young person's life? Budwood, part of the Polaris Community, provides residential care and support for children and young people. Many of the young people have experienced difficult starts in life; that's why what we do really matters. We create safe, stable and supportive homes where young people can rebuild their confidence, learn new skills and move towards a more positive future. This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to make a real difference. We're looking for caring and motivated Casual Residential Support Workers to join our team in Dorchester. No two days are the same, and you'll play a key role in supporting young people, building positive relationships and helping them reach their potential. You don't need to have lots of experience; just the right attitude, willingness to learn and a genuine desire to help others. We'll support you with full training, so you feel confident in your role from day one. At Budwood, you'll be part of a supportive, friendly team where you are valued, encouraged and given the opportunity to grow. What Is the Job? We're looking for caring and reliable Casual Residential Support Workers to join our team, supporting children and young people in a safe and welcoming home. In this role, you will: Support young people with their daily routines Build positive relationships and be a trusted adult Help them develop confidence, life skills and independence Keep them safe, supported and encouraged every day If you have had experience of working with children or young people, that will really help, but we understand that this may be your first time doing this type of work. We will give you all the training and support you need to do the role. Requirements for the Role Hold a Level 3 qualification in Childcare, Health and Social Care or equivalent, or be willing to work towards it Full UK driving licence and access to a car, travel required Friendly, able to speak as well as listen to children and colleagues What We Offer A sleep-in allowance of £64 per night Holiday accrual All meals on duty are provided Promotion opportunities Monthly clinical and professional supervision If you want to build a meaningful career supporting young people, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and join a team making a real difference every single day. Applications for full-time, permanent roles will also be considered. Budwood Limited is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check if successful for the position, cost covered by us.
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Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (SEND)
Polaris Children's Services - Ryde, Isle of Wight
£23,400 to £23,400 a year
HybridContractPart time
Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (SEND) Salary: £23,400 pro-rata (£26,000 FTE) Contract: Part Time, 2-Year Fixed-Term Contract Hours: 30 hours per week - working pattern to be agreed with your line manager Location: Hybrid, with travel to various services across the Isle of Wight Benefits - all pro-rata 30 days' annual leave, increasing to 35 days with length of service, plus bank holidays Company pension Life Assurance - 2x annual salary Employee Discount Scheme Medical Cash Plan About Us We are Polaris, one of the UK's leading communities of children's services providers. Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies that have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, alongside leaving care services, education and bespoke children's services contracts. Our nurturing community works collectively to support the very best outcomes for every child in our care. We're ambitious for our children and young people, families and staff, and we believe in their futures. PCS SENDIASS Polaris Children's Services (PCS) SENDIASS forms part of the Children's Services branch of Polaris. PCS SENDIASS provides timely, confidential and impartial information, advice and support relating to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The aim of SENDIASS is to ensure that children and young people with SEND and their families are empowered to play an active and informed role in their education. We are extending our service to embed a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner with SEND expertise into the Family Hub network on the Isle of Wight. This nationally recognised role sits at the heart of the government's Family Hubs vision, offering a unique opportunity to help shape and strengthen the SEND family hub offer across the Isle of Wight. If you are passionate about inclusion, early intervention and making a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families, we would love to hear from you. Requirements We are looking for a motivated and compassionate practitioner who is committed to improving outcomes for children and families. You will have: Experience working with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families A strong understanding of child development, early years practice and inclusive approaches Excellent partnership-working skills and experience of working effectively within multi-agency environments A commitment to empowering families and ensuring they receive support as early as possible An NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification in early years, health, social care, family support or a related field, or relevant equivalent experience Experience supporting children with SEND, disabilities and/or additional needs Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and its application within early years services A SEND law qualification is desirable, or you must be willing to work towards relevant IPSEA SEN Law qualifications within your first year of employment A proactive and organised approach, with a passion for improving outcomes for children Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including public speaking Confidence using Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, as well as databases A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle The ability to work independently, manage a varied caseload and use professional judgement within a multi-agency environment Responsibilities The Best Start Inclusion Practitioner (SEND) plays a vital role in ensuring children with developmental needs, SEND or additional needs receive the right support at the earliest opportunity. Early identification and intervention can have a significant impact on children's development, wellbeing and long-term outcomes. In this role, you will provide flexible, responsive and family-centred support, helping children thrive and empowering families to access services, navigate SEND processes and advocate effectively for their child's needs. Based within Family Hubs across the Isle of Wight, with regular travel throughout the area, you will work in close partnership with Barnardo's and professionals across education, health, social care and SEND services to: Promote early identification and intervention for children with developmental needs, SEND or additional needs Work directly with children and families to help them understand their child's development and navigate available services with confidence Facilitate group activities such as drop-in sessions and workshops Work collaboratively with professionals across health, education, SEND, social care and community sectors Promote inclusive practice across Family Hubs and all related services and settings Polaris Children's Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Polaris Children's Services. Polaris Children's Services is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
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Supervising Social Worker
Fosterplus - Prestwick, South Ayrshire
£35,500 to £35,500 a year
PermanentFull time
Fosterplus Scotland Supervising Social Worker Location: Prestwick Contract: Full Time, Permanent Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday Salary: Up to £35,500 per annum Out of Hours Allowance: £150 per week when on call Benefits £3,000 car allowance per annum 30 days' annual leave, rising to 35 days with length of service, plus bank holidays Company pension Life Assurance Employee Discount Scheme Medical Cash Plan About Us At Fosterplus Scotland, we believe every child deserves a safe, stable and nurturing home where they can thrive. Fosterplus has 30 years' continuous experience as an independent fostering agency. Continuity is important to us, and we look to create it in everything we do - most critically, for the children and young people in our care. Many children who enter our care have experienced a disrupted childhood, and our aim is to break this cycle and provide greater stability. We do this by carefully matching the right Foster Parents to the right children and making sure we're always on hand with support, guidance and help. Our expertise helps ensure more successful placements - and that's exactly the sort of continuity we want. This commitment is reflected in our mission: 'provide positive and stable family environments for the children and young people placed with our carers and ensure that, with the support of our carers, they can thrive emotionally and academically.' To provide this continuity, we focus on building and maintaining strong connections. Fosterplus is part of the Polaris Community, one of the UK's leading communities of children's services providers. Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies that have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, alongside residential, education and bespoke children's services contracts. Our nurturing community works collectively to support the very best outcomes for every child in our care. We're ambitious for our children and young people, families and staff, and we believe in their futures. About the Role We're looking for an experienced and passionate Supervising Social Worker to join our dedicated team in Prestwick and support Foster Parents across the Ayrshire region. You'll play a key role in helping children and young people achieve positive outcomes through high-quality foster care within a supportive and highly experienced fostering service. Role Responsibilities As a Supervising Social Worker, you will provide professional supervision, guidance and support to Foster Parents, ensuring children and young people receive high standards of care and safeguarding. You'll work closely with Foster Parents, children, local authorities and colleagues to: Supervise and support a caseload of Foster Parents Undertake Foster Parent assessments, including Form F assessments where required Complete annual reviews and present reports to fostering panels Identify training and development needs for Foster Parents Attend professional meetings and advocate for children and Foster Parents Promote participation and ensure the voice of children and young people remains central to practice Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with fostering regulations and safeguarding requirements Participate in the Out of Hours support rota About You Be a qualified social worker with a recognised social work qualification Be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Have experience working within children's social care Have excellent communication and relationship-building skills Have a strong understanding of safeguarding practice and current legislation Be able to maintain accurate records and complete required visits and reports within specified timescales Be able to work independently while contributing positively as part of a team Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle For an informal conversation about this post, please contact Chrisy Grundy Hoban, Head of Operations, on 07803 649 850. Fosterplus Scotland is an equal opportunities employer. The successful applicant will be subject to a PVG check, the cost of which will be met by Fosterplus Scotland. Fosterplus Scotland is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert without notification.
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