Social Worker

FOSTERING INNOVATIONS LIMITED; Greater London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

FOSTERING INNOVATIONS LIMITED in Greater London seeks a Supervising Social Worker to act as a link worker for Foster Carers and looked after children, coordinating needs and liaising with the placing authority.

You will manage a caseload of approved carers, provide day-to-day support, participate in the matching process and conduct assessments with F1-style competency tools, while complying with GDPR and organisational policies and engaging in ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Liaising with placing authorities to ensure the child’s care plan is followed.
• Undertake annual foster carer reviews and present to fostering panel.
• Manage a caseload of approved and registered foster carers.
• Provide day-to-day support for foster carers.
• Assist with development and delivery of training for foster carers.
• Maintain records and ensure GDPR/data protection compliance.
• Operate in line with policies and procedures.
• Attend supervision and team meetings.
• Develop relationships with authorities and social services.
• Be economical with resources and manage expenses.

Skills

Liaison with authorities

Assessment of foster carers

Child protection awareness

Record keeping & GDPR

Caseload management

Job description

Job Description – Supervising Social Worker

As Supervising Social Worker (SSW), you will be responsible for acting as a link worker for Foster Carers and looked after children. The role of SSW is a key position that brings together the needs of looked after children and young people, the support and management of foster carers, liaison with the placing authority and the administration and delivery of the service.

Responsibilities and Job specifics

As Supervising Social Worker, you will be responsible for:

• Delivery
• Quality
• Development
• Finance

The job specifics are:

Delivery

• Liaising appropriately with placing authorities and other professional services to ensure a child’s care plan is followed through
• Undertake annual foster carer reviews and take these to the fostering panel in accordance with policies and procedures
• Manage a caseload of approved and registered foster carers
• Provide day to day support for foster carers
• Participate in the matching process for potential foster carers
• Conduct assessments of prospective foster carers using the BAAF Form F1 competency based assessment
• Assist with fostering events e.g. promotion days, etc.

Quality

• Provide placement reports on a frequency in line with Fostering Innovations practise and agreed with the placing authority
• Participate in gathering evidence for the Training Support and Development Standards
• Operate at all times according to Fostering Innovations policies and procedures
• Keep appropriate records of all work undertaken and in accordance with regulations and Fostering Innovations policy
• Maintain data management of all information regarding foster carers and referrals in line with GDPR, Data Protection and Fostering Innovations policies; storage, retention, archive, and access to information
• Attend supervision, team meetings and staff days
• Obtain and review feedback from foster carers regularly
• Set a good example in terms of dress, punctuality and attendance
• Be proactive in matters relating to health and safety and child protection
• Report any concerns to Fostering Manager.

Development

• Assist with the development and delivery of ongoing training for foster carers
• Participate in carers team meetings and workshops
• Contribute to the strategic business development of the venture to facilitate the organisations operational growth and position
• Seek to improve the service provision within the venture
• Continue in your own professional development
• Fully participate in creative meetings and discussions towards development
• Support the training team in implementing any agreed developments
• Respond to team and organisational developments as required
• Develop and maintain relationships with foster carers, placing authorities, social services and other professional organisations as required

Finance

• Be familiar with funding streams as required
• Be economical with resources to improve financial impact of your department e.g. photocopying, printing, etc.
• Ensure all expenses are authorised by the Fostering and Care Manager
• Comply with the finance policy in relation to petty cash and staff expense procedure