At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate fostering panels and support the safe placement of children in Camden.
- Company: Join Camden Council, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and social change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of fostering legislation and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 38923 - 38923 £ 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.
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 deliver 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. We take pride in getting it right first time and you will receive the training and support you deserve to help you deliver for this already first-rate service from day one. 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. Please note Camden also offers the DBS update service.
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.
What We Offer:
- 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
We want Camden Council to be a great place to work and to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and those of Other Ethnicities, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equalities and justice remains at the heart of everything we do.
Camden is committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for disabled people, neurodiverse people or people with long-term health conditions. If you would like us to do anything differently during the application, interview or assessment process, including providing information in an alternative format, please contact us on 020 7974 6655, resourcing@camden.gov.uk or post to 5 Pancras Square, London, N1C 4AG.
Adoption and Fostering Co-ordinator employer: LONDON BOROUGH OF CAMDEN
Camden Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the well-being of its employees. With generous benefits such as 27 days of annual leave, flexible working opportunities, and a strong commitment to career development, Camden empowers its staff to grow while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in the heart of London, this role offers the chance to be part of a transformative organisation that values diversity and strives for social change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Adoption and Fostering Co-ordinator
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
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We think you need these skills to ace Adoption and Fostering Co-ordinator
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 LONDON BOROUGH OF CAMDEN:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to LONDON BOROUGH OF CAMDEN! 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 LONDON BOROUGH OF CAMDEN
✨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.
