Independent Social Worker (Form F) – Flexible Hours

Civic Recruitment Limited; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited in Cardiff is seeking an experienced Independent Social Worker to conduct Form F assessments for prospective foster carers. You will perform home visits, interviews, and prepare detailed evidence-based reports for Fostering Panel.

The role requires substantial fostering/Looked After Children’s experience, strong analytical and writing skills, and the ability to work to deadlines. Flexible hours and local authority collaboration are offered.

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker (CQSW, DipSW, BA Social Work or equivalent).
• Registered with Social Care Wales (or equivalent UK Social Work registration body).
• Fostering Services, or Looked After Children's Services
• Extensive experience in completing detailed, evidence-based assessments.
• Strong knowledge of: Child Protection, Care Planning, Fostering Regulations, National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services, Children's Legislation
• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills.
• Strong interviewing, assessment, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage assessments to deadline.
• Enhanced DBS Check.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Appropriate business use vehicle insurance.
• Ability to undertake home visits as required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial assessment visits with prospective foster carers.
• Perform comprehensive interviews with applicants.
• Complete initial assessment documentation and reports.
• Evaluate the suitability of the home environment for fostering.
• Submit completed reports and progress updates within agreed timelines.
• Complete full BAAF Form F Assessments for prospective foster carers.
• Contact applicants within one week of allocation.
• Arrange and conduct a minimum of six home visits.
• Meet applicants both jointly and individually as needed.
• Interview children and significant family members.
• Reach out to adult children living away from home.
• Contact former partners when appropriate.
• Interview personal referees and complete referee reports.
• Analyze information gathered from references, checks, and interviews.
• Conduct health and safety assessments and develop safe caring plans.
• Produce comprehensive, evidence-based assessments with clear recommendations.
• Evaluate applicants' suitability to foster and their parenting capacity.
• Assess understanding of safeguarding, safer caring, child development, trauma, attachment, fostering responsibilities.
• Explore attitudes towards equality, disability, race and culture, sexuality and gender identity.
• Assess applicants' understanding of contact with birth families.
• Make recommendations regarding age range, number of children, and types of placements.
• Present completed assessments to the Fostering Panel.
• Attend consultation and progress meetings with Cardiff Children's Services.
• Collaborate with designated supervisors throughout the assessment process.
• Complete any additional work requested by the Panel.
• Ensure assessments comply with fostering regulations, National Minimum Standards, and local procedures.

Skills

Analytical skills

Report-writing

Interviewing

Communication

Independent working

Education

CQSW / DipSW / BA Social Work or equivalent

Job description

Civic Recruitment Limited in Cardiff is seeking an experienced Independent Social Worker to conduct Form F assessments for prospective foster carers. You will perform home visits, interviews, and prepare detailed evidence-based reports for Fostering Panel.

The role requires substantial fostering/Looked After Children’s experience, strong analytical and writing skills, and the ability to work to deadlines. Flexible hours and local authority collaboration are offered.