At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate fostering panels and support the delivery of services for children and families.
- Company: Join Camden's Family Friends and Fostering Service, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Receive training and support to excel in a dynamic and impactful role.
- Why this job: Be part of radical social change and help shape a better future for children.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and two years' experience in Children and Families Division required.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
A rare opportunity has arisen to join London Borough of Camden's Family Friends and Fostering Service as a Panel Coordinator. The post holder would become part of the Family Friends and Fostering Service which is child-focused and passionate about their role in the safe placement of children and young people, who are looked after by London Borough of Camden. Camden is changing on the inside to make life better for everyone. Our residents and communities are at the heart of everything we do.
As Panel Coordinator, you will have a detailed knowledge of the legal framework of fostering, including kinship fostering and you will be an excellent communicator, with an ability to support the service and the panel members to deliver for the people of Camden in an efficient and effective way. The role of the Panel Coordinator is a multidimensional one. Effective fostering and permanence panels are crucial to the delivery of a family and fostering service, and the provision of services for looked after children.
The efficient administration of panels, including the provision of clear and accurate minutes, pre panel and post panel preparation is a skilled and complex task that is essential to the smooth and effective operation of panel. The role of a Panel Coordinator enables services to meet their strategic objectives of approving and reviewing foster carers and ensures the smooth and effective running of the panel, which is crucial to the delivery of a good family and friends fostering service that delivers for our Children, Young People, and their families/carers.
The panel meets monthly and the postholder will be expected to participate in regular panel training and work closely with the agencies advisors to provide administration to the arrangement and running of the panel and the annual appraisal, training and central list of panel members. The post is subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring service check and two references will be taken up prior to the interview.
If you have the commitment, drive, and ability to deliver high service standards across the borough, then you are the person we are looking for. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and will require an Enhanced DBS. You will bring to the role some knowledge of the legislative framework of social services departments relating to children and fostering and kinship, particularly the Children Act 1989, Care Standards Act 2000 and Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011.
You will be able to respond calmly to unexpected and emotive problems, seeking solutions, modifying plans and arranging the provision of additional services and/or resources where appropriate. With your experience, you will bring to the role the ability to deal with conflict effectively, involving and signposting other people and services where applicable. You will be a creative thinker, self-reliant and resilient, knowing how to respond to situations in a positive and effective way to gain successful outcomes in difficult situations.
For this role, you will need to hold a relevant Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England, along with two years post qualification experience of working in a Children and Families Division including experience in a fostering service.
Benefits:
- 27 days annual leave for new starters, rising to 31 days after 5 years
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible working opportunities
- Interest free loans
- Access to our incredible staff networks
- Career development and training
- Wellbeing support and activities
Panel Coordinator in Camden Town employer: Camden Council
Joining the London Borough of Camden as a Panel Coordinator offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful social change within a child-focused environment. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working options, and robust career development opportunities, Camden prioritises its staff's growth while ensuring that the needs of the community are met. This role not only allows you to make a significant impact on the lives of children and families but also provides a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Panel Coordinator in Camden Town
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Camden Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Camden Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Camden Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Camden Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Panel Coordinator in Camden Town
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Camden Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Camden Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Camden Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
