Community Resource Worker - Private Fostering

Community Resource Worker for Private Fostering

Permanent Contract, 37 hours per week, Based at Sir Henry Mitchell House. Working for the Bradford Children and Families Trust offers the opportunity to work with some great people who are passionate about delivering change in a city whose culture offers as much diversity as its geography. You can make a real difference to families and children and be an active part in delivering the service Bradford families should receive. We are fully committed to equal opportunities and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

About the Role

To work with area social workers to provide a timely response to the needs of children, young people and their families, acting in accordance with local policies, procedures and priorities. Using professional knowledge and skills to work in partnership with other professionals, children, young people and their families; using the assessment of need to identify current or potential risks to children and young people. To achieve good outcomes for children and families through coordination and delivery of Private Fostering assessment and support.

Our strategic vision and values are upheld across the Trust, fostering a reliable and supportive environment for both staff and the children in our care. Our approach is rooted in restorative and relational practice, fostering trust, mutual respect, and meaningful relationships with children, families, and professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• To act as the lead professional for allocated case load of private foster carers and co work the case with the child/young person’s Social Worker.
• To undertake private fostering regulation 4 and 7 visits within statutory timescales, private fostering assessments, provide support and complete annual reviews in respect of private foster carers.
• Keep accurate, up-to-date records using designated electronic systems and equipment.
• Within the context of the assessment process effectively engage with children, young people and their families and actively promote their participation in private fostering assessments, support plans and interventions.
• To work with children and families in potentially stressful situations. To work with children and families on CiN and Child Protection Plans.
• To support the development of effective multi-agency partnership working with key agencies to support children and families in Private Fostering arrangements to sustain arrangements or to make positive change.
• To be accountable for maintaining and improving practice and performance in line with professional development targets as agreed with line manager through supervision.
• To provide a consistently high standard of practice and customer care.
• To manage and prioritise a caseload, ensuring appropriate escalation to line manager where necessary.
• To attend case conference meeting sharing information and with safeguarding colleagues and partners where appropriate.
• To complete assessments and reports to recognised standards and timescales.
• To actively participate in regular collection and collation of appropriate performance management information which meets the needs of the service, including positive engagements in audit processes.
• To positively contribute within regular supervision, Appraisal Reviews, team meetings and service review/development meeting as required.
• To promote and deliver training to key partners and agencies to raise awareness of private fostering.
• To promote equality of opportunity, diversity, and inclusion in the service area.
• Actively promote the welfare and uphold the safeguarding of children and young people.
• To provide advice, under Directorate guidance, to service users and carers in respect of financial problems, debts and welfare benefits as appropriate.
• To undertake family work relating to preventative work, offering guidance and support, in conjunction with the Social Worker and/or Team Manager.
• To offer support and encouragement to parent/carers, relating to the development and well being of their children with a view to enabling them to remain with their families/carers safely where appropriate.
• To participate in appropriate training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.
• To undertake other duties appropriate to the post as required by the Team Manager.

To be successful in this role you will need:

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2/3 in Health & Social Care or Caring for Children & Young People, or an equivalent qualification (e.g., relevant degree, DipSW, RGN, Teaching, Youth and Community, etc.) as specified by the service. Equivalent qualifications must include work-based assessed competencies in working with children and families.
• Evidence of ongoing training and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) since achieving Level 2.

Skills and Knowledge

• Sound knowledge of legislation and standards related to private fostering.
• Ability to engage effectively with children, adults, and professionals.
• Range of spoken and written communication skills, including exchanging information, building relationships, providing advice and guidance, counselling, negotiating, and handling confidential information.
• Ability to gather, collate, and analyse facts to solve problems, including creative and critical thinking, developing practical solutions, applying problem-solving strategies, and managing interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to take initiative and independent actions within the scope of the job, including planning and organizing, self-effectiveness, and quality checking work.
• Promote equality, treat all people fairly, maintain impartiality, and be aware of the barriers people face.

Requirements

• Must meet either the Lower or Advanced threshold level for fluency in English as outlined under Special Knowledge.
• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and bank holidays as required by the needs of the service.
• Must be able to perform all duties and tasks with reasonable adjustments, where appropriate, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 regarding Disability Provisions.
• The post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Must have a full driving license and a car available.

You’ll also be joining an organisation that truly values its people, offering a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance, including:

• Generous annual leave - 31 days rising to 34 with service, plus bank holidays
• Excellent Local Government pension
• Family-friendly policies and enhanced parental leave
• Health & wellbeing support, including Occupational Health and counselling
• Professional development and career progression opportunities
• We are a National Living Wage employer

For full details of our benefits, please see the attached ‘Our Benefits’ brochure.

To arrange an informal discussion, please contact Linzi Nicholson via email linzi.nicholson@bradfordcft.org.uk

Closing Date: Sunday 9th August 2026

Interviews: W/C Monday 17th August 2026