Job context Fostering Social Worker Children and Families provide services which follow from specific legislation, including the Children Act 1989, Children Act 2004, Fostering Regulations 2011 and National Minimum Standards as well as other Government guidance and policy. We are committed to providing good quality services to support children young people, their families, and foster carers. Enhanced DBS check required. This role involves spoken communications, so a confident use of English language is required. Enhanced DBS check required. This role involves spoken communications, so a confident use of English language is required. Job Purpose Hold and supervise a caseload of foster carers and assessments as allocated by the Team Manager. The post holder will do this by undertaking initial assessments, connected persons assessments, form assessments, support, supervise, review, and monitor foster carers and household ensuring they are compliant with the Fostering Regulations 2011 and National Minimum Standards. They will actively recruit, and train foster carers meet the needs of children requiring care. Operational Management: Manage and prioritise cases as allocated by the line manager To supervise and support foster carers in line with standards To undertake duty requirements as part of a rota To take fostering enquires from the public and assess initial suitability to proceed To participate in the recruitment process of foster carers Family finding for children needing foster placements To ensure statutory duties are maintained in line with national minimum standards e.g., foster reviews, unannounced visits, supervision, foster carer agreements etc Undertake assessment on applications for fostering Present information at foster panel Ensure carers receive appropriate support during an allegation against foster carers Participate in the allocation of cases with and to accept cases allocated by the Team Manager commensurate with your level of experience. Liaise with other agency professionals as necessary to fulfil the Directorates statutory duties and achieve best outcomes for children. Participate in supervision and appraisal of performance Review and supervise fostering arrangements. Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required; if required, give evidence in court in relation to care or other proceedings. Resource management: Coach and mentor newly qualified staff joining the unit. Support and co-work less experienced staff on case work. To supervise and support foster carers in line with National Minimum standards To deliver pre-approval training, information events, support groups required for the service To develop foster carers skills and knowledge to enable them to meet the needs of children through a personal development plan To assist foster carers to complete CWDC training skills and development (TSD) Effective communication and engagement with children, young people and their families and carers: Liaise with staff of the Directorate and other agencies to effect decisions reached on services for children requiring placements with foster carers, and to participate in all necessary placement or review panels to ensure that service provision continues to be appropriate to clients needs and wishes. Promote children, young people and foster carers participation in decision making. Ensure all work with children and foster carers remains focused and meets the need of children Use high level communication skills such as listening, building empathy, consultation, and negotiation Undertake preventative work with foster carers in order to reduce the need for placement moves in order to reduce the need for prolonged care or accommodation: Work with children and young people, families, carers, and communities to help them make informed choices and decisions, enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning. Develop and maintain effective relationships with children and young people, their families, and carers: provide advice and support: help resolve conflict, where appropriate. Child and young person development: Work with individuals or groups of foster carers in line with the key task of developing individual potential independence and dignity. Understand and support the role and value of foster carers as partners in supporting children to achieve positive outcomes Ensure all work interventions serve to improve the outcomes for children Make key decisions in terms of case management based on observation and professional judgement: understanding their context in relation to behaviour, listen actively and respond to concerns Evaluate the situation and record in an appropriate manner Supporting transitions: To understand your own role and its limits, and the importance of providing care or support Identify transitions Provide support and intervene Support carers to understand a child or young persons situation and needs through periods or experiences of transitions Partnership/corporate working: Take necessary statutory or other action in relation to the liberty or safety of clients, including emergency situations, and liaison with other agencies as necessary in such cases. Plan and facilitate placements for children and young people with foster carers Liaise with colleagues in own and other departments and external agencies in order to gather information relevant to assessment and care planning activities: organise and chair case conferences as required. Have a commitment to shared values and the common purpose of developing a culture if interagency working, including statutory bodies, third and private sector organisations Ensure that strategic visions are translated into local plans in collaboration with professionals, partners, and service users Strategic management To contribute to the planning and development of the Directorates services in response to statutory developments and clients wishes Assist in the preparation of fostering OFSTED inspection Communications: To ensure foster carers are clear about what is expected of them; are kept informed about their performance and enabled to develop the necessary skills and knowledge through supervision, review, and developmental opportunities Ensure foster carers are aware of their financial responsibilities Ensure foster carers hold appropriate record on the children they care for Comply with Data Protection Legislation and the Access Request to Files Policy Ability to demonstrate good recording skills with the available technology in accordance with the relevant post description. Systems and information: Understand the importance of sharing information, how it can help and the dangers of not doing so Ensure adherence to policies and procedures around record keeping and utilisation of computerised case management systems Encourage children and young people to share information Maintain files and appropriate and timely case recording in line with Directorate procedures, including computerised systems Adhere to professional and organisational procedures on confidentiality and maintaining appropriate boundaries with service users and their families. Safeguarding: Complete connective person assessments on families to promote and safeguard children Ensure assessment work is compliant with National Minimum Standards Provide support and advice to carers and encourage the development and maintenance of appropriate support networks and services within individual homes or in the community Take necessary statutory or other action in relation to the safety of children, including emergency situations, and liaison with other agencies as necessary in such cases. Be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people that you are responsible for and come into contact with. Investigate complaints of alleged neglect, abuse, or ill-treatment of children, in accordance with relevant legislative requirements and child protection procedures; undertake assessments of risk and need; where appropriate, arrange accommodation for children, young people. To ensure foster carers provide a safe and caring environment, complying with Health and Safety requirements and Safe caring agreements