Independent Social Worker in Cardiff

Independent Social Worker (Form F Assessor) – 1 Year Contract

Location: Cardiff

Rate: £39.95 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: 1 Year Contract

Target Start Date: 05 January 2027

Hours: Flexible / Assessment-Based

Pay: Bi-Weekly

Summary

Cardiff Children's Services is on the lookout for a seasoned Independent Social Worker (Form F Assessor) to conduct thorough fostering assessments for potential foster carers. This pivotal role requires the completion of high-quality, evidence-based BAAF Form F Assessments, conducting home visits, and gathering and analyzing information from diverse sources. The successful candidate will present these assessments to the Fostering Panel. Applicants should have substantial experience in fostering, looked after children's services, or children's social care, and be adept at producing detailed analytical assessments and recommendations to support sound fostering decisions.

Responsibilities

Initial Assessments

• 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.
  

Form F Assessments

• 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.
  

Assessment & Analysis

• 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 and Diversity
    
  • Disability
    
  • Race and Culture
    
  • Sexuality and Gender Identity
    
• Assess applicants' understanding of contact with birth families.
  
• Make recommendations regarding:
  • Age range of children
    
  • Number of children
    
  • Types of placements
    

Panel & Professional Responsibilities

• Present completed assessments to the Fostering Panel.
  
• Attend consultation and progress meetings with Cardiff Children's Services.
  
• Collaborate closely 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.
  

Requirements:

• Qualified Social Worker (CQSW, DipSW, BA Social Work or equivalent).
  
• Registered with Social Care Wales (or equivalent UK Social Work registration body).
  
• Significant experience in:
  • 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.
  

Essential Compliance

• Enhanced DBS Check.
  
• Full UK Driving Licence.
  
• Appropriate business use vehicle insurance.
  
• Ability to undertake home visits as required.
  

What's on Offer?

• £39.95 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• 1 Year Contract
  
• Target Start Date: 05 January 2027
  
• Flexible assessment-based work.
  
• Bi-Weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to support the assessment and approval of foster carers.
  
• Work with an established Local Authority Fostering Service.
  
• Meaningful role helping secure safe and stable homes for vulnerable children and young people.
  

Ideal for candidates with experience as an Independent Social Worker, Form F Assessor, Supervising Social Worker, Fostering Social Worker, Assessment Social Worker, Connected Persons Assessor, Kinship Assessor, or Looked After Children's Social Worker.