Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and families? Would you like to join an enthusiastic and passionate staff team where we believe every child deserves a safe, loving, and supportive home?

We are currently recruiting a qualified social worker who has experience working with children in the care system. We know all children need loving, caring and dedicated adults in their life. That's why we work hard every day to find that family who can go on that journey with children and give them the future they deserve.

About Us

We are committed to providing exceptional fostering and adoption services to ensure that children find stability, security, and the opportunity to thrive. We work closely with families, carers, and professionals to create positive outcomes for children.

Some of the Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Assessment of prospective foster carers and adopters using the BAAF Form F and AAR frameworks.
Attending multi-disciplinary meetings, Looked After Children reviews and panels.
Regular supervision and support to foster carers and adopters.
Timely recording and good communication with all professionals involved in children's lives.
Pre and post-approval training delivery.
Participation in the office duty system on a rota basis.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

Has a Degree in Social Work/ Dip SW/ CQSW/ CSS
Is registered with NISCC
Has demonstrable experience of working with Looked After Children
Has access to a car. A full driving licence and appropriate business insurance are also essential and evidence of these documents will be required if appointed.* As driving is an intrinsic part of this role, applicants with a disability that prevents them from driving should be able to demonstrate an alternative means of meeting the mobility requirements of the post.

What We Offer

A supportive and inclusive working environment.
Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
Competitive salary and benefits package.
The chance to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families.

Apply Today

If you share our passion for creating brighter futures for children, we'd love to hear from you.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday (37 hours per week) with flexibility to undertake training / visits outside office hours on occasion

Location: Office base 230b Belmont Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT4 2AW. Travel is required across Northern Ireland.

This is a hybrid working role – We place value on colleagues spending time together at our office base on a regular basis, with flexibility to work from home for part of the week.

Salary: £36,427.87 - £48,749.06

Closing: Midnight, Thursday 4 December 2025.

Interviews: W/C 8 December 2025

Contact email: recruitment.support@barnardos.org.uk

We will also hold a waiting list of suitable candidates to be considered in the event that other similar vacancies arise in the next 12 months.

The successful candidate will also be required to undertake Enhanced Access NI with Child and Adult Barred List check.

For informal enquires please contact Sharon McAuley via sharon.mcauley@barnardos.org.uk

Fostering jobs

Social Worker - Fostering & Adoption