Social Worker – Kinship Assessments
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Children’s Social Worker with specialist experience in Kinship Assessments to join a dedicated team supporting children and families.
This role requires a Social Worker who has substantial experience assessing family members and connected adults who may be able to provide care for children. The successful candidate will be confident completing detailed assessments, analysing risk and providing clear recommendations to support safe and appropriate care arrangements.
Essential Experience
Candidates MUST have:
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A minimum of 3 years' experience working in a permanent Social Worker role.
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Strong experience working with children and families.
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Direct and demonstrable experience completing all types of Kinship Assessments, including:
Generic Fostering Team experience alone will NOT be considered. Candidates must be able to demonstrate direct experience completing the specified Kinship Assessments.
Key Responsibilities
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Complete comprehensive Kinship Assessments in line with statutory requirements and local authority procedures.
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Undertake Viability Assessments to establish whether family members or connected adults may be suitable carers.
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Complete Special Guardianship Assessments and provide clear evidence-based recommendations.
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Undertake Connected Carer Assessments, considering the individual's ability to meet the child's needs.
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Conduct detailed interviews, home visits and background checks as part of the assessment process.
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Assess strengths, vulnerabilities, risks and protective factors.
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Analyse information from multiple sources and make sound professional recommendations.
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Work collaboratively with children, parents, family members, carers and partner agencies.
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Ensure the child's wishes, feelings, safety and best interests remain central throughout the assessment.
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Prepare high-quality assessment reports within required timescales.
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Maintain accurate and comprehensive case records.
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Work in accordance with relevant legislation, safeguarding procedures and professional standards.
Candidate Requirements
✅ Qualified Social Worker
✅ Minimum 3 years' permanent Social Work experience
✅ Strong Children's Services experience
✅ Experience working directly with children and families
✅ Recent, demonstrable experience completing Viability, SGO and Connected Carer Assessments
✅ Strong assessment, analytical and report-writing skills
✅ Excellent safeguarding and risk assessment knowledge
✅ Ability to work independently and manage a caseload effectively
✅ Current Social Work England registration
✅ Enhanced DBS or willingness to obtain one
Important Submission Information
Specifically looking for Social Workers with hands-on experience completing Kinship Assessments, including Viability, Special Guardianship and Connected Carer Assessments.
Candidates who cannot demonstrate this specific experience will not be considered.