Social Worker Casual

Casual Assessment Social Worker – Foster for East Midlands Fostering

Employer: Derby City Council / Foster for East Midlands Councils
Salary: £24.71 per hour
Location: Derby City, Derbyshire, Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire
Job Type: Casual, part-time
Working Pattern: 0 contracted hours per week
Job Category: Children’s Social Care
Job Reference: 000012615
Date Posted: 27 October 2026
Closing Date: Not specified
Visa Sponsorship: Not stated in the job advert
DBS Check: Required

Job Overview

Foster for East Midlands Councils is seeking experienced and practising Children’s Social Workers to join its team of Casual Fostering Assessing Social Workers.

This opportunity allows social workers to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people by assessing prospective foster carers and helping children find safe, stable and supportive homes.

The role pays £24.71 per hour, with a maximum payment of £2,471 before tax per assessment. Payment covers all hours worked, including assessments that end early because applicants are found unsuitable. Mileage expenses are paid in line with Derby City Council’s mileage policy. Within the D2N2 area, mileage is paid from home to the applicant’s address.

Successful candidates will receive a casual contract with Derby City Council. Assessments accepted will be delivered on behalf of Foster for East Midlands Councils.

Key Responsibilities and Support

You will undertake high-quality assessments of prospective foster carers and help determine their suitability to provide safe and nurturing homes for children.

Support includes:

• Regular case supervision from an assessment team manager.
• A comprehensive assessment guidance pack.
• Training and support sessions.
• Access to Fostering National Minimum Standards and assessment tools.

Assessment Workload and Time Commitment

Each assessment is expected to take no more than 100 hours. You are expected to complete an assessment through to the end where the outcome remains positive. Assessments may only be ended early with the agreement of the team manager.

Your working time will include:

• Preparing for assessment visits.
• Travelling to applicants’ addresses.
• Conducting assessment sessions, usually around two hours per visit.
• Writing assessment reports and completing references and related paperwork.

Visits are generally expected to take place weekly, or at least fortnightly, unless otherwise agreed during supervision.

Mainstream assessments should be completed within six months, ideally sooner. Independent Fostering Agency (IFA) transfers should be completed within four months.

Some assessments may require more than eight visits because of their complexity. These arrangements must be agreed with the team manager, and claimed hours must not exceed 100 per assessment.

Essential Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a practising Children’s Social Worker.
• Hold a degree in Social Work.
• Be registered with Social Work England.
• Obtain permission from their current line manager before applying if undertaking this role alongside an existing job.

Previous fostering assessment experience is welcome, but transferable assessment skills may also be relevant.

Salary and Benefits

The role pays £24.71 per hour, with a maximum payment of £2,471 before tax per assessment.

Benefits available through Derby City Council may include:

• Local Government Pension Scheme, including life cover.
• Team Derby Rewards discounts.
• Tusker Car Benefit Scheme.
• Annual leave and the option to purchase additional leave, subject to contract eligibility.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where applicable.
• Learning, development, mentoring and professional qualification opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.
• Cycle2Work Scheme and free cycle training.
• Up to 15 hours of volunteering leave each year, subject to eligibility.
• Employee networks and recognition programmes.

Some benefits depend on the role, contract and length of service.

About Derby City Council

Derby City Council delivers essential services to residents, communities and businesses across Derby. The council promotes inclusion, collaboration, professional development and positive outcomes for the people it serves.

This opportunity allows practising social workers to contribute to better outcomes for children while developing their fostering assessment practice.

Visa Sponsorship Information

The job advert does not confirm whether visa sponsorship is available. Applicants who require Skilled Worker sponsorship should contact Derby City Council or Foster for East Midlands Councils to confirm eligibility before applying.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest by email to the team managers below.

Jade Louth: jade.louth@fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk

Rochelle Wallace: rochelle.wallace@fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk

Your expression of interest must be no more than two sides of A4 and should explain your suitability for the role against the requirements in the Job Description and Person Specification. Applications will be shortlisted against the criteria outlined in the Person Specification.

For recruitment enquiries, call 01332 640844 or email recruitmentteam@derby.gov.uk.

Important Information

The successful candidate will be required to undergo the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of the council’s safer recruitment process.

Derby City Council welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. Eligible disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria may apply through the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. Eligible members of the Armed Forces community, veterans and close family members may also qualify.