Fostering Independent Reviewing Officer

Description

Our local government clients are recruiting a Fostering Independent Reviewing Officer. The role will involve monitoring and reviewing the quality and effectiveness of the standards of care provided by foster carers, in accordance with legislation, statutory requirements, policy, and procedures related to the role, as well as chairing independent annual and ad hoc fostering review meetings.  This role is essential in providing the fostering service with an independent view of the strengths and weaknesses of their foster carers and their support for them.

Your key responsibilities will include:

To provide consistently good standards in the chairing of annual fostering review meetings, and to develop effective liaison with the Children's Fostering Team. As part of this, you will hold pre-meetings where necessary with foster carers, their birth children, young people and other professionals where needed to ensure complete, positive and practical contributions to the review process. To ensure that the good practices arising from fostering reviews are shared and promote a learning environment.

Qualification – Essential

• GCSE Grade (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics.
• CQSW/DSW/CSS or recognised equivalent qualification
• Post Qualifying Awards in ChildCare
• Social Work Qualification and Registration with Social Work England (Essential)
• Advanced –Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Outlook, Social Media and CRM.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience Requirements - Criteria to be Evaluated at the Shortlisting Stage.

• A minimum of 3 years post-qualifying experience in childcare work, including child protection and childcare.
• Experience in a managerial role in children's social work.
• Experience of chairing childcare and child protection meetings, e.g. core groups, planning meetings, Child In Need meetings and strategy meetings.
• A good understanding of current research in child protection and childcare.
• Awareness of issues surrounding allegations against professionals, carers and volunteers.
• Sound understanding of issues of child sexual exploitation.
• Ability to understand procedure and advise upon issues of procedure and good practice.
• Sound knowledge of issues surrounding planning for permanence and adoption.
• Experience in a quality assurance role with social work with children.
• The ability to produce clear, well-written reports.
• Ability to be organised and adhere to strict timescales for producing work.
• The ability to facilitate the fullest involvement of other agencies, family members and children in the decision-making process in childcare.
• A calm, analytical disposition with the ability to respond to unforeseen circumstances.
• Ability to think clearly under pressure and provide direction in complex situations
• The Ability to provide systematic and determined quality assurance with children's plans.
• Confidence and the ability to take the lead in promoting sound practice in planning for children.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Essential Compliance Requirements

• 5 Years References
• Enhanced DBS
• A pre-engagement screening is mandatory for this role. Please be prepared for this additional step in the application process.

Diamond Blaque Group, a leading provider in the public sector, is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. Our organisation is deeply committed to fostering an environment of equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace.