At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct thorough assessments for prospective foster families to support vulnerable children.
- Company: Join a small, therapeutic, not-for-profit fostering agency making a real difference.
- Benefits: Earn £1850 per assessment and gain valuable experience in social work.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to promoting diversity and anti-discriminatory practices.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.
- Independent Fostering Assessor
- £1850 per Assessment
Are you a social work practitioner who wants to make a difference to children and young people by bringing out the best in others who want to foster children.
We are interested in hearing from Independent Social Workers with track record of completing thorough, robust and effective fostering assessments to join our pool of independent assessors to assist us as we grow our small therapeutic, not for profit Fostering Agency.
You would be trained to complete our fostering assessment which reflects the therapeutic model of care provided by our foster families, and then complete the assessment with prospective foster families.
Job description
- Have a clear understanding of relevant childcare legislation including that pertinent to the fostering task.
- Have a good working knowledge of the impact of loss and trauma on looked after children and young people.
- Have a clear understanding of therapeutic parenting and work with the agency to understand their training and working models of support.
- Have excellent written and oral skills that will support the completion of a fostering assessment to present to panel.
- Be able to critically analyse information provided and cross reference it with knowledge of looked after children.
- To be able to address issues with applicants and agency colleagues that are difficult in a fair and proportionate manner.
- Be able to report safeguarding concerns in a timely and effective manner in line with the agencies policies and processes.
- To be available to attend panel and present the complete or part completed assessment.
- To work closely with agency colleagues to understand the current needs of children and young people referred to Changing Futures Fostering.
- To address diversity issues and promote anti-discriminatory practice.
- Be an active part of supervision and address areas discussed within agreed timescales.
- To inform Changing Futures Fostering at once if they have been charged, cautioned or convicted for any criminal offence or if any criminal proceedings are pending.
Person specification
- You will have a Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.
- Knowledge
- A level of understanding of the purpose & function Changing Futures Fostering
- An appreciation and understanding of the effect of separation and loss on children.
- To have knowledge of Fostering, interest in child in care and be committed to promoting the best interests of vulnerable children.
- Abilities
- Excellent listening and communication skills
- The ability to establish a good working relationship with potential foster parents to bring out the best in them.
- A proven ability to collate high levels of information and use your social work skills to analyse the information and demonstrate its relevance to the fostering task.
- To have a clear understanding of the impact of life events and how they impact on children and adults.
- Have excellent written skills in order to complete a rich and detailed assessment report relevant to the task.
- To demonstrate a clear understanding of valuing diversity, and how to avoid or address discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, religion, culture, sexuality or age.
- Attitudes
- A value base that understands diversity in relation to issues of ethnicity, religion, gender, disability and sexuality.
- An understanding of, and a commitment to, the need for confidentiality and how to report any concerns.
- A willingness to work with agency colleagues to gain understanding and gain knowledge in the working practices of the agency and how it upholds standards.
- A willingness to contribute constructively to Assessor training sessions and workshops
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Independent Fostering Assessor employer: North East Combined Authority
Northern Education Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the life chances of children and young people. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for career progression across our family of schools. Our supportive work culture, combined with benefits like free flu vaccinations and onsite parking, makes Hetton Academy a rewarding place to work for those passionate about student wellbeing.
Contact Details:
North East Combined Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Fostering Assessor
✨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 North East Combined Authority.
✨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 North East Combined Authority!
✨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 North East Combined Authority, 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 North East Combined Authority 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 Independent Fostering Assessor
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 North East Combined Authority:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to North East Combined Authority! 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 North East Combined Authority
✨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.
