FOSTERING JOBS
Discover rewarding roles within Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs) and Local Authorities across the UK. At Charles Hunter Associates we’ll connect you with employers who prioritise manageable caseloads, whether you’re a Supervising Social Worker, Form F Assessor or Registered Manager. Shift from crisis management to stability and help foster families thrive.
BUILDING RESILIENCE IN FAMILIES, TOGETHER
At Charles Hunter Associates, we help you secure fostering roles that improve your work life balance and professional satisfaction. We offer diverse opportunities for qualified social workers looking to move away from statutory child protection and into family placement. We feature vacancies in Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs) and Local Authority teams across the UK.
We understand that fostering requires a unique blend of regulatory knowledge and therapeutic stamina. We partner with reputable providers to bring you exclusive vacancies that are not advertised elsewhere. Whether you seek the flexibility of locum assessment work or the stability of a permanent management role, we match your specific practice interests with the right employer.
WHAT WE OFFER YOU
Access locum opportunities that suit your lifestyle. We connect you with independent Form F assessment work and interim coverage roles, allowing you to earn competitive rates while managing your own schedule.
Unsure about moving sector? Our temp to permanent options let you experience the lower caseloads and culture of an Independent Fostering Agency first. Ensure the role aligns with your values before signing a permanent contract.
From Supervising Social Workers to Registered Managers, we place candidates at every level of the fostering hierarchy. Secure a permanent role that offers professional stability, training budgets and clear pathways to senior leadership.
At Charles Hunter Associates, we are dedicated to helping you secure fostering roles in Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs) and Local Authorities across the UK.
We know every agency culture is unique. That is why we take a consultant led approach to match your therapeutic practice interests with an employer that prioritises lower caseloads and service stability.
QUALIFICATIONS
Social Work qualification (BA, MA or DipSW), active Social Work England registration, full driving license and access to a vehicle.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Supporting a caseload of foster carers, conducting Form F assessments, monitoring compliance with Fostering Services Regulations and providing therapeutic supervision.
SALARIES
£32,000 to £55,000 per year, depending on role seniority and location.
WHY CHOOSE
Charles Hunter Associates gives you access to hidden vacancies and offers clinical profiling to align your skills with the right agency.
We provide interview coaching (including role play scenarios), written exercise guidance and compliance management to ensure your successful placement.
UPLOAD YOUR CV
YOUR DEDICATED CONSULTANT
You’ll work with a sector specialist who understands therapeutic practice, listens to your career goals and supports you through every stage of the recruitment process.
CLINICAL & CAREER PROFILING
We review your experience against frameworks like the Skills to Foster model to identify whether your strengths lie in assessment, carer support or operational management.
TAILORED PROGRESSION PLAN
Together, we’ll create a recruitment plan designed around your aspirations, whether that involves moving into management or specialising in Form F assessment.
EXCLUSIVE MARKET ACCESS
We present your profile to a curated list of IFAs and Local Authorities, giving you access to hidden vacancies that are never advertised on public job boards.
ACCESS TO SPECIALIST ROLES
Our relationships with Operations Directors mean you get matched quickly with niche roles like Therapeutic Leads, Panel Chairs and Registered Managers.
HIDDEN VACANCY ALERTS
Our direct lines to decision makers ensure you hear about internal vacancies and new regional contracts before they reach the open market.
RAPID CV PRESENTATION
Our team moves quickly to get your CV in front of hiring managers immediately, bypassing standard HR portals to secure interviews faster.
COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT
We handle the logistical burden of your move. We validate your Social Work England registration and manage DBS updates so you can start your new role without delay.
INTERVIEW COACHING & PREPARATION
A dedicated consultant prepares you for specific interview formats, including written exercises and role play scenarios. We ensure you can articulate your knowledge of NMS and safeguarding confidently.
PARTNERSHIPS WITH IFAS & LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Our links with private agencies, charitable trusts and Local Authority teams give you access to services rated 'Good' and 'Outstanding' by Ofsted.
MORE ABOUT
fostering JOBS
How do I Find and Apply for Fostering Jobs?
Use CHA Recruitment’s candidate portal to browse fostering jobs and social work vacancies. Create an account, upload your CV, and filter listings for Supervising Social Worker jobs or management roles. This includes Form F Assessor, Team Manager, and Registered Manager positions.
Using our site to Submit Applications
Select a fostering vacancy and click apply. You receive an email confirmation and can track your application status in real time. You can also upload a cover letter and reference details to support your profile.
Personalised Support and CV Workshops
A dedicated consultant reviews your CV, offers interview tips, and follows up after you begin your new role. You’ll get one-to-one mock interviews and feedback sessions.
START YOUR SEARCH
Upload your CV, cover letter, and reference letters to strengthen your application. Alternatively, view the latest vacancies below or search for more jobs.
UPLOAD CV
You need a recognised social work qualification (BA, MA, or DipSW) and active registration with Social Work England. For senior roles like Registered Manager, a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management is often required by Ofsted regulations.
Local Authority (LA) roles often involve higher statutory caseloads and court work. Independent Fostering Agency (IFA) roles typically offer lower caseloads (10-15 families) with a focus on support, training, and maintaining placement stability.
Yes. We frequently place independent social workers into locum contracts to complete Form F assessments. These roles are often paid per completed assessment or on a fixed-term contract basis, offering significant flexibility.
Yes. Most fostering roles require travel to visit foster carers in their homes, often across a wide geographical region. A full driving license and access to a vehicle are standard requirements for Supervising Social Workers.
Salaries vary by region and experience, but generally range from £32,000 to £42,000 per annum. Senior Practitioners and Team Managers can earn between £45,000 and £55,000, depending on the agency size and location.