Join Our Team as a Part-Time Fostering Advisor!
Salary: £22,300 - £23,900 per annum (pro-rated)
Core Hours: 9am - 5pm, 3 days a week (21 hours)
Working Days: Flexible and negotiable
Location: Office-Based - Milton Keynes
Benefits: Enjoy 30 days of Annual Leave (increasing to 35 with service), Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme, and Medical Cash (all benefits pro-rated).
About Us
Founded in 1987 by a dedicated group of Foster Parents, we are proud to be the UK's first independent Foster Care agency. With over 30 years of experience, we continue to thrive!
Our founders recognized that children in care, especially those with challenging beginnings, require specialized support. That's why we place the child at the heart of everything we do, surrounded by a comprehensive range of integrated support services. This is what ISP stands for: Integrated Service Programme.
Our circle of support includes social workers, fostering advisors, teachers, and therapists, all working collaboratively to empower foster parents and the children they care for. We pioneered a 'therapeutic approach' to fostering, ensuring that every child receives the understanding and care they deserve.
What We Are Looking For
If you have experience as a foster parent and are seeking a fulfilling career change, the role of Fostering Advisor could be your perfect fit! Just like our children, foster parents need support, encouragement, and practical advice—sometimes, they just need someone to listen.
As a Fostering Advisor, you will play a vital role in providing essential support to our foster parents. Your responsibilities will include:
Role Responsibilities
* Maintain regular phone contact with foster parents to discuss progress and share strategies.
* Conduct home visits in coordination with the ISP Social Worker and Registered Manager.
* Provide information and advice on available support services through ISP and the Fostering Network.
* Coordinate training sessions for foster parents.
* Assist with contact arrangements, respite, and transportation needs.
* Support children and young people in their leisure activities.
* Facilitate discussion groups and presentations at the Centre.
* Maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
* Stay informed about applicable regulations and standards.
* Collaborate effectively as a team member and participate in ISP events.
What You Will Need
* Understanding of fostering regulations and standards (e.g., the Children's Act & Fostering Service National Minimum Standards).
* First-hand knowledge or experience of fostering, ideally as a foster parent.
* Experience or interest in working within a therapeutic model of child care.
* Ability to build strong relationships with professionals across various disciplines.
* Intermediate IT skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
* A full driving license and access to your own vehicle.
The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check, which will be covered by ISP.
Why Join Us?
At ISP, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
If you are ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and foster families, we would love to hear from you!