Fostering Panel & Data Quality Advisor

Essex County Council; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Job summary

Essex County Council requires a qualified Social Worker to lead and coordinate the Fostering Service’s panel preparation and audit activities. The post holder will ensure policy and procedure alignment with legislation and provide expert guidance across fostering practice.

There is a flexible, part-time arrangement, with a pro rata salary and a focus on continuous service improvement and better outcomes for children and families.

Qualifications

• Evidence of continuing professional development aligned to professional competency frameworks.
• Significant experience in fostering work, including managerial level experience.
• Detailed knowledge of Children Act 1989 and 2004 and related childcare legislation.
• Strong problem solving across individual cases to organizational/interagency matters.
• Excellent communication skills enabling influential partnerships and delivery of strategic objectives.
• Proven track record of delivering advice and guidance across children's social care.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the Fostering Panel and Agency policy to align with regional and national legislation.
• Assist with panel membership and management to ensure well-functioning operations.
• Review and revise agency policy, practice and procedures to ensure clear written policies for panel functions.
• Monitor and audit the quality of practice and case information presented to the fostering panel and decision maker.
• Provide expert advice and feedback to social workers presenting case information to the fostering panel.
• Analyze feedback from prospective foster carers and implement changes with the panel chair.
• Compile 6 monthly QA reports for senior child care managers detailing quality and recommendations.

Skills

Leadership in fostering

Policy interpretation

Communication skills

Problem solving

Stakeholder collaboration

Change management

Audit/QA familiarity

Education

Diploma/degree in social work

Job description

Essex County Council requires a qualified Social Worker to lead and coordinate the Fostering Service’s panel preparation and audit activities. The post holder will ensure policy and procedure alignment with legislation and provide expert guidance across fostering practice.

There is a flexible, part-time arrangement, with a pro rata salary and a focus on continuous service improvement and better outcomes for children and families.