Join Our Team as a Part-Time Fostering Advisor!
Salary: £22,300 - £23,900 per annum (pro-rated)
Core Hours: 9am - 5pm, 3 days per week (21 hours)
Working Days: Negotiable
Location: Office-Based - Milton Keynes
Benefits: Enjoy 30 days of Annual Leave (increasing to 35 days with length of service), Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme, and Medical Cash (all benefits will be pro-rated).
About Us
Founded in 1987 by a dedicated group of Foster Parents, we proudly hold the title of 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. This vision led to the creation of our Integrated Service Programme (ISP), which places the child at the heart of everything we do.
Over the years, our support network has expanded to include a diverse team of professionals—social workers, fostering advisors, teachers, and therapists—who collaborate to assist foster parents and the children they care for. This 'therapeutic approach' to fostering is a hallmark of our service.
What We Are Looking For
If you have experience as a foster parent and are seeking a rewarding 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 and services, including procedures for allegations or complaints.
* Coordinate training for foster parents.
* Engage in contact arrangements, respite, and transport logistics.
* 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 proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
* Strong organizational skills to manage workloads and meet deadlines.
* A full driving license and access to your own vehicle, with confidence in driving across the region.
The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check, the cost of which will be covered by ISP.
At ISP, we are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and actively encourage applications from qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff to share this commitment.