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
Why Work With Us?
At the Integrated Services Programme (ISP), we’ve been making a difference since 1987. Founded by a passionate group of foster parents, we are proud to be the UK’s first independent Foster Care agency. With over 30 years of experience, we are dedicated to providing specialized support to children who have faced challenging beginnings.
Our mission is simple: to put children at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive range of support services, including social workers, fostering advisors, teachers, and therapists, all working together to empower foster parents and the children they care for. Join us in pioneering a therapeutic approach to fostering!
What We’re 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! Our foster parents need support, encouragement, and practical advice, and you could be the one to provide it.
Your Role and Responsibilities
* Maintain regular phone contact with foster parents to discuss progress and share strategies.
* Conduct home visits in collaboration with the ISP Social Worker and Registered Manager.
* Provide information and advice on available support services, including procedures for allegations or complaints.
* Coordinate training sessions for foster parents.
* Engage in various activities, including:
o Contact arrangements and supervised visits.
o Respite and transportation arrangements.
o Crisis intervention and matching considerations.
* 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’ll Need
* Understanding of fostering regulations and standards (e.g., the Children's Act).
* First-hand knowledge or experience in 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 and foster parents.
* Intermediate IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
* Strong organizational skills to manage workloads effectively.
* A full driving license and access to your own vehicle.
Working Conditions and Benefits
We offer a supportive work environment with:
* 30 days of annual leave (increasing to 35 with length of service) + Bank Holidays.
* Company Pension and Life Assurance.
* Employee Discount Scheme and Medical Cash benefits (all prorated).
The successful candidate will need to complete an enhanced DBS Check, which will be covered by ISP.
ISP is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all 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.