Qualified Social Worker, Fostering & Adoption - (Job ID : )
A locum QSW is required for the Fostering and adption service of a national childrens service provider.
Job purposeWorking in the Family Placement Service, seeking to provide children in need with good experiences of family life. The service will provide:
Recruitment, assessment, training and supervision of Foster Carers.Suitable matching of children with a wide range of special and complex needs with appropriate carer/s.Post placement supervision and support.A consultancy resource to other agencies in complex family placement situations.Key responsibilities
To recruit and assess foster care applicants and present to PanelTo introduce and place children referred by Local Authorities, all of whom will have complex needs, in foster homes and support the placement.To support children placed in foster homes to achieve the 5 Outcomes within every child matters and monitor the care plan.To pro-actively support and supervise foster carers throughout the placement, including court proceedings, and in between placements.To maintain well regulated records.To keep Line Manager informed of all work in progress.To liaise with local authority colleagues where appropriate, particularly in plans for children in local authority care, and the arrangement of Reviews.To inform Line Manager immediately of any child protection matters.To adhere to and advocate for Equal Opportunities in service delivery.To adhere to and advocate for anti-racist, culturally sensitive and anti-discriminatory practice.To support and maintain good relationships with other Company work in the social worker’s area of operation.To advocate on behalf of both the Company and the individual child.To take part in out of hours service on a rota basis.To develop an area of expertise to promote good practice, in discussion with Team ManagerTo cover the daytime duty desk when required in consultation with the managerContribute to in –house trainingParticipate in marketing and recruitment of potential carersParticipate pro-actively during the Inspection (Ofsted) processPrincipal internal and external contactsTo develop and maintain relationships with:-
Project staffColleagues in other agencies and within the Company to enhance and develop good practice.Prospective foster families, children and birth familiesAppeals and Publicity staff as appropriate in order that they may be reliable informed about the work of the project.Local AuthoritiesExternal Agencies eg education, health
Additional relevant informationIt is in the nature of the work of the Company that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances unpredictable and varied. All staff are, therefore, expected to work in a flexible way when the occasion arises that tasks which are not specifically covered in their job description have to be undertaken. These additional duties will normally be to cover unforeseen circumstances or changes in work and they will normally be compatible with the regular type of work. If the additional responsibility or task becomes a regular or frequent part of the staff member’s job, it will be included in the job description in consultation with the member of staff. The post holder will be expected to continually develop in her/his role.
Hours of work: 37 per weekLocum Duration 3-6 months
CRB check
This post is subject to a criminal record check by the Criminal Records Bureau. The level required is enhanced
Equal opportunities The Company is an equal opportunities employer offering appropriate training and development opportunities to all employees.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Position: Social Work Project: Foster Care, Broad Options Responsible to: Team Manager
Training CQSW, Dip.SW or equivalent Registration with GSCC Demonstrated commitment to training.
Experience Pre or post qualifying experience in working with children and families.Previous experience in other areas of social work
Skills and AbilitiesTo maintain and develop good practice in a family placement team.To communicate clearly and sensitively both orally and in writing.To build and maintain good working relationships and inter team communication.Good organisational skills including ability to work under pressure.Awareness of and ability to challenge structural inequality and the impact of prejudice in society. To liaise and negotiate with local authorities, other agencies, professionals and familiesKnowledge and understanding of child care legislation and regulation with regard to family placement. Knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of family placement.Knowledge and understanding of the networks and procedures involved in family placement.Knowledge of inter-agency working.Knowledge of the 5 Outcomes within Every Child MattersKnowledge of the latest Green Paper – Transforming LivesUnderstanding and commitment to Equal Opportunities, Anti-Racist and culturally sensitive practice and policies
Other Requirements Current driving licence.Able to stay away overnight on occasion.
