Job Introduction
We're recruiting a Fostering Independent Reviewing Officer to help us make sure our foster carers and the children in our care have the best experience possible.
You'll play an important part in keeping our fostering households safe, supported and focused on positive outcomes for children.
You'll be based in our fostering service within Children's Services, working closely with colleagues who share our dedication to doing the right thing for our city.
You'll chair household reviews for foster carers and offer clear, supportive guidance that helps us maintain high standards across the service.
This role is for 22.5 hours worked over 3 days
This is a Site-Based role
Interview for this role will be held on 13 March
Milton Keynes City Council is a modern and friendly place to work. Find out more about working with us here:
Main Responsibility
Chair fostering household reviews and provide clear written summaries, recommendations and actions.
Offer advice and guidance to colleagues on fostering regulations and national minimum standards.
Support internal auditing and preparation for regulatory inspection.
Build strong working relationships that champion the voice of the child and support carers to understand each child's journey.
Plan and deliver training or workshops linked to reviewing, legislative requirements and good practice.
Work within a regulated activity providing advice and guidance on children's wellbeing.
The Ideal Candidate
A qualified social worker who is registered with Social Work England.
Someone with experience in a fostering service and strong knowledge of fostering legislation and standards.
A confident chair who can analyse information and write clear, concise reports.
Excellent communication skills when working with children, families, carers and professionals.
Someone who reflects our values: dedicated, respectful and collaborative.
A person who can manage a busy workload, work flexibly and make well‑informed decisions that support good outcomes for children.
To be successful in this role, you'll need a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. If you're offered the position, we'll ask for proof of your licence and vehicle insurance, including business use cover. Unfortunately, we won't be able to confirm your appointment without these documents.
If you're offered the role, we'll arrange an Enhanced DBS check as part of our pre-employment process (unless you're already registered with the DBS Update Service).
Package Description
In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:
Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
Salary sacrifice car scheme – low-cost leasing of electric and low emission vehicles.
Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.
Why join us? Along with more on our Benefits, discover why Working at the City Council could be the right move for you here Working at the Council | Milton Keynes
Our roles are either designated 'site based' or 'home based'. 'Site based' roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst 'home based' roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.
We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference.
We're very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.
We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it's time for a new role.
If you'd like to know more about how we do things and what matters to us, take a look at our short booklet What makes us Milton Keynes City Council.