Main Purpose of Job

In addition to the usual responsibilities assumed with the role of Social Worker, the Senior Social Worker will also offer additional support to the Senior leadership Team in terms of quality assurance and talking the lead on projects as well as acting up to Manager in the absence of the Registered Manager. To be primarily responsible for assessing and supporting Foster Care services, from current and prospective F5 Foster Carers. To provide a high quality and effective Social Work service to respond to the needs of children, young people and families in a timely manner and within statutory guidelines, policies and standards. To work as part of a team responsible for the placement of children and young people and supervision of our Foster Carers.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Additional and acting up responsibilities

To support the Registered Fostering Manager where requested with quality assuring of documents. This may include but limited to PFCR’s, Annual reviews, Forms and letters, and policy and procedures.

To take the lead on internal projects as requested by the Registered Fostering Manager and/or other senior leaders, i.e. Foster Carer Support Groups

To step up into the role of Manager as requested in the absence of the Registered Fostering Manager, this may include but not limited to, making decisions about placements/recruitment, supervising other staff members and managing any safeguarding concerns.

To assist in the growth and mentoring of other Social Workers that are working with F5 Foster Care, either employed or associate based.

To take first line enquiries from Social Workers who are seeking further guidance or clarification.

Responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children at all times

Assessment and Support of Foster Carers

To produce comprehensive, professional assessments of prospective Foster Carers using BAAF Form ‘F’ and the competency model.

To prepare and present well-written comprehensive reports for various forums.

Delivery of presentations, assessments, reports and annual reviews to the foster panel within agreed timescales.

Participation in and delivery of training sessions for the Foster Carer’s initial and post-approval training, including ‘Skills to Foster’

To support a number of approved Foster Carers by regular visits, telephone calls, attendance at children’s reviews, planning meetings etc and liaison with the child’s Social Worker.

To keep accurate and up to date case records of on-going support and supervision of Foster Carers and record significant occurrences or incidents in line with current legislation and the F5 Foster Care guidelines.

Participation in staff training delivered by F5 Foster Care, or external trainers where required.

Attendance at and participation in team meetings where required.

Preparation for and attendance at placement planning meetings, looked after children meetings and other professional forums.

Preparation for and attendance at matching meetings with other professional agencies.

Professionally representing F5 Foster Care in a range of various professional gatherings.

Attending and contributing to your supervision and appraisal process.

Contributing to the maintenance and development of effective communication systems within the family placement service.

To maintain all records in accordance with company policy, regulations and statutory requirements.

To maintain and respect the need for absolute confidentiality in relation to the performance of all duties and the information that you glean there from.

To undertake any other reasonable duties as required as instructed by the Registered Manager.

To work in a safe way not putting your own, a child’s or another member of staff’s health or safety at work at risk.

Skills, Knowledge, Experience, Attitudes and Behaviours

Able to satisfy Ofsted as a Social Worker (Fostering Services Regulations 2011).

Possess DipSW Certificate of Qualification in Social Work or BA/MA in Social Work (or equivalent) with HCPC registration.

Experience of acting as Manager, Team Leader or Senior Practitioner in a fostering environment.

Experience of supporting Foster Carer, Pre, during and post approval and working within assessment frameworks.

Experience in providing placement support

Knowledge of Ofsted, National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services and Fostering Services Regulations.

Excellent communication and administrative skills.

An ability to maintain judgement when working under pressure.

Proven ability to plan and prioritise workloads.

Ability to communicate clearly and appropriately at all levels both orally and in writing.

Ability to provide reports on a monthly / yearly basis.

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