Independent Form F Assessor – Social Worker

JOB TITLE: Independent Form F Assessor – Social Worker

To undertake comprehensive Form F assessments of prospective foster carers in accordance with fostering legislation and guidance, and [Employer hidden]’s policies and procedures, ensuring that high-quality, evidence-based reports are presented to the fostering panel within required timeframes.

JOB CONTEXT

[Employer hidden] is committed to delivering services that are user-focused and sensitive to the individual needs of children, local authorities, and the broader community. All employees are expected to reflect this ethos through a commitment to service excellence, quality, equality, and partnership.

MAIN DUTIES

• • Undertake and complete assessment reports for prospective foster carers (Form F assessments) using the BAAF Form F assessment model.
• • Complete high-quality, analytical, and evidence-based assessment reports which are ‘panel-ready’ within the timescales agreed set at the time of allocation.
• • Conduct home visits, interviews, and statutory checks in line with regulatory and policy requirements and good practice guidance.
• • Ensure all required documentation are obtained, verified, and accurately recorded and uploaded onto the relevant system (CHARMS).
• • Liaise with the identified supervisor / manager, to provide regular updates regarding the progress of the assessment.
• • Share information with administrative team in a timely manner, to ensure the necessary statutory checks can be undertaken (where required)
• • Attend fostering panel to present assessments, when required.
• • Participate in supervision with the identified supervisor / manager.
• • Maintain awareness of current legislation, fostering standards, and best practices.
• • Ensure all safeguarding issues, and / or any concerns are reported immediately to identified supervisor / manager.
• • Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout the assessment process.
• • Represent the agency professionally at all times.
• • Support the recruitment of foster carers as needed, including participation in events or information sessions.
• • Attend training and development opportunities to maintain professional standards.
• • Collaborate effectively with other professionals and departments to ensure smooth transition of prospective foster carers, from assessment to approval.
• • Ensure confidentiality and data protection protocols are maintained at all times.

Person specification

Job Designation: Independent Form F Assessor – Social Worker

Reports to: Fostering Team Manager and / or Senior Management Group

CRITERIA ESSENTIAL METHOD OF DESIRABL ASSESSMENT E

EDUCATION/ QUALIFICATION

• Social Work qualification (DipSW, CQSW, BA/MA in Social E Application Form Work)
• Registered with Social Work England E Application Form
• Evidence of continued professional development E Application Form

EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

• Minimum 2 years post-qualifying social work experience. Application Form & D Interview
• Experience working in fostering or children’s services E Application Form & Interview
• Previous experience in completing Form F Assessments, Application Form & E Interview and / or other comprehensive assessment reports
• Understanding of fostering regulations, National Application Form & E Interview Minimum Standards, and the Children Act 1989
• Experience presenting to fostering panels , or similar E Application Form & Interview

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong assessment and report writing skills E Application Form & Interview
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills E Application Form & Interview
• Ability to analyse complex information, and form clear, Application Form & E interview evidence-based conclusions.
• Good time management skills, and the ability to work Application Form & E interview independently.
• Confidence in managing sensitive discussions with Application Form & E interview fostering applicants
• Competent IT skills and use of online recording systems Application Form & E interview (e.g. CHARMS)
• Ability to organise and prioritise own work and balance E Interview varying priorities
• Ability to work according to the company’s Policies and Application Form & E Interview Procedures
• Ability to work independently and demonstrating E Interview initiative whilst working in line with [Employer hidden]’s Policies and Procedures.

PERSONALITY

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

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness to travel for home visits and to attend panel E Interview meetings.
• Satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure Barring System (DBS) Application Form & E Interview Checks.
• Satisfactory references E Application Form & Interview
• Right to work in the UK E Application Form & Interview