Social Work Assistant (BR9)

Job Description

Job Category : Social Care & Health Non-Qualified
Location : Civic Centre, Bromley Council
Hours Per Week : 36.00
Start Date : Immediate Start
Start Time : 08:30
End Time : 17:00
Salary: £19.01
As a Social Work Assistant, you will work closely with recruitment and marketing officer, social workers and foster carers to help identify, recruit, and support individuals and families willing to open their homes to children in need of care. This is a rewarding role that combines community engagement, administrative support, and hands-on involvement in the fostering process.
Key Responsibilities
• Assist with recruitment campaigns to attract prospective foster carers through various channels, including events, social media, and community outreach.
• Be the first point of contact through emails and phone calls to provide initial information to potential foster carers, guiding them through the enquiry and application process.
• Organize and participate in fostering information sessions, recruitment events, and open days.
• Work with social workers to support approved foster carers, ensuring they feel valued and connected to the fostering community.
• Coordinate and attend foster carer support groups, training sessions, skills to foster and workshops.
• Assist in organizing activities and events for foster carers and children in care, promoting a sense of community and shared experiences.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of recruitment activities, enquiries, and foster carer support.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings and initial home visits
• Prepare resources and materials for recruitment campaigns and fostering events.
• Actively promote fostering within the community by building relationships with local organizations, businesses and groups.
• Work alongside foster carers to share their stories and experiences through videos and testimonials, inspiring others to consider fostering using word of mouth.
• Support the wider recruitment team in developing new strategies to attract carers.
• Liaise with other teams and departments to ensure a seamless experience for foster carers and children.
Essential Skills and Experience:
• Previous experience in a social care, recruitment, or community engagement role.
• A genuine passion for supporting children, families, and foster carers.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Confidence in public speaking and presenting information to groups.
• Competency in IT systems, including Microsoft Office and databases.
• Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends as required for events and support groups.
• A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle for travel within the local area.
Desirable Skills and Experience:
• Knowledge of fostering and the challenges faced by foster carers and children in care.
• Experience organizing events, workshops, or community initiatives.
• An understanding of fostering legislation and related policies.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Good keyboard skills for the word processing of letters, memos and reports
• Ability to receive and transmit clear and accurate messages
• Good communication skills with colleagues, carers, staff from other agencies and members of the public
• Ability to accurately input data onto computerised client record systems
• Ability to organise and prioritise workload effectively and methodically
• Ability to develop and maintain computer based information systems
• Ability to take minutes of meetings and produce accurate written minutes
• Ability to work flexibly within an office environment and as a member of the team

KNOWLEDGE

• Basic understanding of the work of Children’s Social Care and the reasons for the provision of an adoption service
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Access
• Good knowledge of computer based information systems and email
• Basic knowledge of financial systems and Power Point

EXPERIENCE
• Experience of general business, clerical and administrative duties, to include filing, processing of invoices, inputting and retrieving data from computer based system.
• Experience of maintaining and indexing manual record systems.
• Experience of dealing with members of the public via direct contact and by telephone.
• Experience of word processing of letters, memos and reports.
• Experience of computer based systems and the use of email

QUALIFICATIONS

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
• Ability to use initiative and to be self-motivated
• Demonstrate an awareness of and commitment to equal opportunities and working in an anti-discriminatory manner
• To undertake an enhanced Criminal Record Disclosure (CRB) application