Supervising Social Worker, (Fostering)

PURPOSE OF JOB:

To supervise, support, train and review approved foster carers within [Employer hidden] Agency. To work in partnership with other professionals in order to provide placements that keep children safe and enable children and young people to thrive and reach their potential.

JOB CONTEXT:

Our Company strives to provide service’s which are user friendly and sensitive to the individual needs of our placements, Local authorities and all sections of the community. It is the responsibility of all employees to work to achieve this within our ethos of service, quality, equality and partnership. (Partnership means demonstrating a commitment to close co-operation with colleagues and joint work in partnership with our service users).

DUTIES

• To feedback to registered managers about cases.
• Review foster carer approval as required and present to Fostering panel as required.
• Provide support and supervision to carers in accordance with statutory regulations, national minimum standards and [Employer hidden] requirements.
• To undertake Form F Assessments as and when required
• Assist, develop and attend the foster carer support group.
• Actively participate in foster care training pre and post approval.
• To problem solve and adapt to changing environments
• Contribute to the development of the fostering service to meet unmet need and the demands faced by new legislation.
• Actively recruit and assess applicants offering to care for children on behalf of the agency, as required.
• Participate appropriately in Looked After Children planning meetings and reviews.
• Undertake office duty, placement searches and matching and respond to crises, as and when required.
• Develop positive and professional working relationships with colleagues within Children’s Services and with other agencies.
• Any other duties as may be reasonably requested by the manager

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain accurate and up to date records on relevant electronic systems.
• Develop own professional skills through supervision sessions and undertaking appropriate training.
• Maintain awareness of changes in legislation, related policies and practices and implement these within own professional practice.
• Participate in an annual appraisal.
• Work as part of the team to assist in developing and improving the existing service.
• Be willing to work flexibly (including evening and weekend work) if required. If the need arises to undertake tasks not specifically covered in the job description.
• To work in partnership with other professionals and regulatory bodies.
• Be registered as a Social Worker with the HCPC / Social Work England.
• Maintain safe working practices for self and others, in accordance with the agencies policy Health and Safety at Work and lone working.
• Actively support and implement the principles and practice of equality of opportunity as laid down in the Agencies Equal Opportunities policy.
• The post holder may be reasonably expected to undertake other duties commensurate with the level of responsibility that may be allocated from time to tim

Person specification

Job Designation: Supervising Social Worker

Reports to: Registered Manager

CRITERIA ESSENTIAL METHOD OF ASSESSMENT

EDUCATION/ QUALIFICATION

• Recognised social work qualification e.g. CQSW, DipSW, Degree. E Application Form
• HCPC / Social Work England Registered E Application Form
• Evidence of a commitment to continued professional Application Form and development E Certificates

EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation including Children’s Act, fostering regulations and standards and the philosophies underpinning these acts E Application Form & Interview
• Knowledge and understanding of the needs of looked E Application Form & after children. Interview
• A working knowledge of child development and child protection theories, including attachment theory and the E Application Form & needs of Looked After Children/Children in the Child Interview Protection System

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Effective negotiating and interpersonal skills including the Application Form & ability to manage conflict. E Interview
• Flexibility and personal commitment to high professional Application Form & standards interview E
• Ability to work in partnership with colleagues in an Application Form & effective manner. interview E
• Good oral and written communication skills. Understand Application Form & and respect the principles of confidentiality interview E
• Good standard of recording and report writing skills for presentation at panels e.g. annual reviews, care plans and reviews. E
• Able to work independently and within a team. E Interview
• Ability to organise and prioritise own work and balance E Interview varying priorities
• Committed to involving service users and carers in the Application Form & agencies work where appropriate. interview D
• Ability to liaise with a range of professionals – GPs, Application Form & consultants and social workers interview E
• Ability to support and develop adults in their role as foster Application Form & carers to ensure high standards of care for children E interview placed.
• Ability to work closely with children and young people, Application Form & listening to their views and keeping them informed E interview
• Ability to motivate and engage young people in group Application Form & activities E Interview
• Ability to work according to the companies Policies and Application Form & Procedures, e.g. admissions and placement procedures Interview E
• Ability to facilitate young people’s recreational needs, Application Form & daily independent living skills and to promote their E Interview emotional well being

PERSONALITY

• Well presented E Interview
• Enthusiastic E Interview
• Highly motivated E Interview
• Empathetic E Interview

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• To have a flexible approach to working hours, to ensure the needs of the agency and its stakeholders are properly E Interview met. To include the provision of the agencies on call system
• Must possess a full current driving license and have access to a vehicle for which Family First Agency agreed mileage E Interview allowance will be paid.
• Be able to undertake shift work including working bank Application Form & Holidays Interview E
• Able to demonstrate a commitment to equal Application Form & opportunities principles and practice. Interview E
• Satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure Barring System Checks Application Form & (DBS) Interview E
• Satisfactory References Application Form & E Interview