Are you ready to take the next step in your social work career? This is an exciting opportunity to join Foster Wales as a Senior Social Work Practitioner, where you'll play a key role in shaping the future of fostering across the Gwent region. You'll be part of a team that's passionate about improving outcomes for children and families, while also supporting foster carers to feel confident, valued, and fully equipped in their vital role.
This isn't just a chance to advance your career - it's an opportunity to make a tangible difference, take on meaningful responsibility, and contribute to innovative regional strategies that help children remain connected to their communities. You'll also gain invaluable leadership experience, with the opportunity to supervise staff.
About the role
As a Senior Social Work Practitioner, you'll have a varied and rewarding role that combines hands-on social work practice with leadership and development responsibilities. You'll oversee the recruitment, assessment, and ongoing supervision of parent and child foster carers across the Gwent region, ensuring they receive the support, training, and guidance they need to provide safe and nurturing homes.
You'll play a leading role in assessing new applicants, presenting your assessments to fostering panels, and advising on matches that will give children and their parents the best possible start. Beyond this, you'll also help shape consistent regional policies, deliver training, and coordinate events to strengthen and grow our network of foster carers.
Collaboration is central to this role - you'll work closely with marketing officers, recruitment teams, and other professionals to develop and deliver effective recruitment strategies. You'll also supervise both qualified and unqualified staff within the team, offering guidance and support to help them flourish in their roles. And when the Team Manager is absent, you'll step confidently into their shoes, ensuring the service continues to thrive.
This role offers variety, challenge, and the opportunity to make a long-lasting impact - not just for children and families, but for the carers and colleagues you'll work alongside. You'll be at the heart of making sure children, families, and carers feel supported, valued, and empowered - and you'll see first-hand the positive impact your work has on their lives.
About you
We're looking for someone who is passionate about fostering and ready to take on a senior role where your knowledge, experience, and leadership will make a real difference. You'll thrive on building strong relationships, supporting others to develop, and thinking creatively about how we can recruit and retain foster carers who are equipped to meet children's needs.
You'll bring the confidence to manage assessments, provide supervision, and represent the team at panels, reviews, and meetings. Just as importantly, you'll have the warmth and empathy needed to support carers and families through every stage of the fostering journey. If you're ready to step up, take ownership, and be part of an innovative and supportive regional team, this role will give you the platform to shine.
About us
Foster Wales is the national network of not-for-profit fostering services, working together across Wales to find and support foster families for local children. Here in the Gwent region, we're proud to work as one team across five local authorities, supporting children, foster carers, and families in our communities.
When you join us, you'll be part of a forward-thinking, collaborative, and supportive team. You'll have access to excellent training and development opportunities, the chance to contribute to innovative regional and national strategies, and the satisfaction of knowing your work has a direct and lasting impact on the lives of children and families.
We also recognise that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer a supportive and inclusive work environment, along with fantastic benefits designed to help you grow and succeed:
Competitive Salary:
We value your experience and expertise and offer a highly competitive salary package.
Local Government Pension Scheme:
Enjoy peace of mind with our excellent pension benefits.
Ongoing Learning & Development:
Take advantage of training and development opportunities to enhance your career.
Generous Annual Leave:
Benefit from a substantial leave allowance to support your work-life balance.
Supportive Team Environment:
Work within a collaborative and inclusive culture that values your contributions.
Ready to take the next step?
If you're looking for a role where your skills and experience will be recognised, where you'll have the chance to lead and develop others, and where your work will truly change lives - we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and take the next step in your career with Foster Wales Gwent. Together, we can build brighter futures for children, families, and foster carers across our communities.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:
Thorough pre-employment screening is undertaken during the recruitment process. The post holder will be required to complete an application for a Disclosure of Criminal Records.
Closing Date: 16th September 2025 - 12:00am, midnight
Interview Date: TBC
How to apply
View full job description and apply on the employers website
