At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct fostering assessments and initial visits for prospective foster carers.
- Company: Join a leading Independent Fostering Agency known for excellence.
- Benefits: Earn £2,000 per assessment plus mileage and expenses.
- Other info: Comprehensive training and professional support provided.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying flexible hours.
- Qualifications: HCPC registration and experience in assessments required.
At Swiis, we believe that good and great are two entirely different things. So we aim for the latter in everything we do. That’s why Swiis Foster Care is a national leading Independent Fostering Agency, regularly rated Very Good or Excellent by the Care Inspectorate for the high-quality service provided to our foster carers and children and young people in our care. Swiis Foster Care is a continuously expanding company and offers significant development opportunity for the right candidate.
Swiis Foster Care are currently recruiting Independent Assessors to work on a sessional basis undertaking Fostering Assessments (CoramBAAF Form F) and Initial Visits on prospective foster carers in the Darlington area. The Assessors will benefit from £2,000 per completed Form F assessment, plus mileage and expenses. Swiis work within a robust timeline for all assessments therefore appropriate availability and flexibility of hours is essential. You would also be expected to be available for Supervision with the Registered Manager during the assessment process. Comprehensive professional support and training will be provided which we would expect assessors to attend as requested.
Qualifications
- Current HCPC registration
- Prior experience of undertaking assessments
- Recognised professional social work qualification
- Knowledge of fostering legislation and other relevant legislation/initiatives pertaining to foster care
- Willingness to work on a flexible basis, e.g. evenings and weekends
- Ability to produce high-quality assessments
- Confidence and proficiency in presenting to the agency panel
- Driving license and own transport
- Ability to work in the UK without visa restrictions
Desirable
- 2 years of post-qualification experience in children's services
Additional Information
- £2,000 per completed assessment plus mileage and expenses
- Comprehensive professional support
- On-going training provided for all sessional social workers
Independent Fostering Assessor employer: Swiis International
At Swiis, we pride ourselves on being a leading Independent Fostering Agency that not only values excellence but actively fosters a supportive and dynamic work culture. Our Independent Assessors benefit from competitive remuneration, comprehensive professional support, and ongoing training opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people in the Darlington area. Join us to be part of a continuously expanding company that prioritises your growth and development in a rewarding environment.
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 Swiis International.
✨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 Swiis International!
✨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 Swiis International, 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 Swiis International 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 Swiis International:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Swiis International! 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 Swiis International
✨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.
