Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Fostering Service. We are looking for an Assessing Social Worker to join our friendly and supportive Fostering team, where you will work alongside experienced and skilled social workers who are passionate about ensuring that children get the best outcomes in their foster homes. We have a stable, knowledgeable and restorative management team focused on growing and developing. You will receive regular formal and informal case supervision, peer support, and access to training opportunities.
We are seeking a dedicated and highly motivated Form F Assessing Social Worker to join our dynamic Fostering Service Assessment Team. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2–3 years’ experience in fostering or children services and a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of children and families.
Responsibilities
* Conduct Assessments: Perform detailed home studies and interviews with prospective foster parents, their referees, and other significant individuals to gather comprehensive information.
* Write Form F Reports: Prepare high-quality, analytical, and evidence-based reports that critically evaluate the applicants’ strengths and weaknesses, their parenting capacity, and their suitability for fostering.
* Present to Panel: Present the completed Form F assessment to the Fostering Panel and answer questions from panel members.
* Ensure Compliance: Apply professional knowledge of relevant childcare legislation (e.g., Children Act 1989), fostering regulations, and the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services.
* Evaluate Household Conditions: Conduct a Health & Safety report of the household and verify necessary paperwork such as electrical and gas certificates and insurance documents.
* Training and Development: Organise and facilitate training sessions for foster carers to enhance their skills and knowledge in fostering practices.
* Child-Centric Approach: Promote and ensure the best interests of the children in care, advocating for their needs and rights in collaboration with other professionals and agencies.
* Collaboration: Work with local authorities, social services, and other stakeholders to develop effective partnerships that support foster carers and children.
* Support and Guidance: Provide emotional and practical support to foster families, addressing concerns during placements.
* Administrative Duties: Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation in line with relevant policies, procedures, and statutory requirements.
Key Activities
* Interviews: Conduct interviews with applicants, referees, and other key individuals.
* Report Submission: Manage workload effectively to ensure reports are submitted accurately and on time.
* Applicant Communication: Discuss assessment findings and the Panel process with applicants and ensure they are aware of their role in the Panel meeting.
* Professional Conduct: Maintain accurate and secure records, build positive professional relationships, and demonstrate commitment to equality of opportunity.
* Professional Development: Undertake further training and development to enhance practice and maintain registration with a relevant professional body (e.g., HCPC, SWE).
* Support with duty tasks across the Fostering Service.
* Contribute to recruitment of prospective foster carers through ideas and events.
* Engage in reflective supervision with Team Manager to ensure prospective carers meet the Fostering National Minimum Standards.
* Coordinate with the Fostering Panel Advisor to ensure applicants are prepared for Fostering Panel.
Skills and Competencies
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse individuals.
* Strong assessment and analytical skills to evaluate foster care placements effectively.
* Robust understanding of Care planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations 2010 (amended); Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and Fostering National Minimum Standards.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
* Proven problem-solving skills with a proactive and positive approach to challenges.
* Strong organizational and time management skills.
If you are passionate about transforming the lives of children in care and making a difference in your community, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your knowledge and skills statement and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.
The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Enhanced Check + DBS Children’s Barred List & DBS Adult’s Barred List.
We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.
As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
For an informal discussion please contact Catherine McCormick on 01752 304344 or email catherine.mccormick@plymouth.gov.uk.
Closing Date: Monday 11 May.
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