Recruitment Training and Support Officer (Fostering) in Essex

This is a fixed term contract / secondment opportunity for a period of 24 months. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Here in Essex, we continue to raise the bar about practice and our investment in our workforce is second to none. It’s an exciting time to join us having received our 2nd Outstanding Ofsted rating in a row. Children and Families is recognised as a service where social work can thrive and flourish, underpinned by a culture of collaboration, integrity and compassion. We are committed to promoting the development, wellbeing and safety of children, young people and their families, protecting them from neglect and abuse.

The Recruitment, Training and Support Officer will support the recruitment and training activity for Essex foster carers undertaken by the Fostering Recruitment team. Responsible for planning, promoting and supporting the delivery of recruitment information events and training both virtual and in person, undertaking direct work with birth children in the family home. This exciting role offers the opportunity to undertake partnership work with businesses and agencies in the community to support the recruitment of local foster carers.

Accountabilities

• Responsible for working closely with qualified social workers within the Fostering Service to plan, promote and deliver recruitment activity and training events to support prospective foster carers.
• Involved in managing the logistical aspects of activity and event organisation, including marketing, communications and securing appropriate venues.
• Coordinate and provide administrative and practical support for drop-in information recruitment events and training for fostering families.
• Build strong, effective relationships with internal comms team and external venues, agencies, businesses and providers, to promote and obtain best value for recruitment and training events and support to foster carers.
• Undertake direct work with birth children of the prospective foster carers, obtaining their views, wishes and feelings, completing the necessary report to include within the assessment.
• The ability to work to a trauma informed therapeutic model, training will be provided.
• Deliver pre-approval training courses alongside social workers, using pre-developed material, for prospective foster carers.
• Provide information and advice and translate social work terminology, ensuring clarity and understanding.
• Coordinate and support at foster carer buddy support groups and Ambassador events.
• Record work and activity in accordance with Children and Families policies and procedures, including case records on Mosaic.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism which contribute to the level of confidence in Children’s Social Care.
• Be self-motivated and able to work on your own initiative.

Skills, Knowledge And Experience

• Educated to RQF 3 level (A Level/NVQ/BTEC) or equivalent by experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area.
• Experience of building strong, effective relationships with children and families, delivering training and facilitating group sessions.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build strong partnerships which are influential and collaborative in their nature, to deliver joint outcomes.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to coordinate projects and manage logistical demands.
• Be able to think creatively about ways to engage contacts.
• Knowledge and understanding of marketing with the ability to promote events and attract potential applicants using social media.
• Knowledge of Children’s Act 1989 and 2004 and other legislative and policy guidance applicable within Social Care settings.
• Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 – National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services 2011 (NMS).
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to negotiate best value solutions ensuring continuous service delivery, in a financially sustainable environment.

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.