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Part Time Household Reviewing Officer (Fostering) - Home Based

Employer
Essex County Council
Location
England, Essex, Chelmsford
Salary
£39168 - £47405 per annum + + Benefits Package
Closing date
10 Feb 2021

Please note this position is being offered on a part time basis for 20.5 hours per week, which can be worked across 3 or 4 days per week (Monday to Friday only). Some of the hours maybe undertaken after 5.30pm to reflect the services need however meetings are agreed by all parties. ECC have a flexible working policy.

While listed as Chelmsford the role is primarily homebased with visits to foster carers in order to undertake household reviews.

The Role

To chair and review Fostering Households in accordance with National Minimum Standards (2002) and Regulations. To consider the development needs and evaluate the placements that the Foster carer(s) have undertaken in the past year.

Job Purpose

Consider future approval of Foster Carer(s) and present to Fostering Panel. Ensure Household reviews are timely and in keeping with Essex CC Guidance for HHR. To chair reviews requiring early review following a Complaint or Sec47 Child Protection Enquiry. To work alongside the Fostering Service to support and enhance a quality service.

Accountabilities

  • To carry out Reviews of kinship, general, shared care & fee paid foster carers.
  • To ensure Reviews of Foster Carers are child-centred & involve consultation with children/young people in placement, children who foster, foster/shared carers, parents, education & health, and the Child/Young Persons Social Worker.
  • To evaluate at the review the previous year's placements.
  • To ensure that each Foster carers Personal Development Plan is in place.
  • To ensure each Fostering Household has a Safer Caring agreement relevant to the children and young people currently in placement.
  • Where appropriate to consult with the Independent Reviewing Officer for the child/ Young Person.
  • To review whether foster carers are adequately contributing to the care plans for young people in placement, using the Five Outcomes (Enjoy and Achieve, Achieve economic wellbeing, Staying Safe, Making a Positive Contribution, Being Healthy)
  • To take into account all other members of the Foster Carer's Household including their own children
  • To complete the HHR Report within fifteen days of the review.
  • Ensuring that the report is analytical and makes clear recommendations for panel and the Fostering service.
  • To attend Fostering Manager's Meetings as required
  • To manage a diary to optimise the number of reviews both planned and short notice.
  • Each Full time HHRO will hold approximately 140 planned reviews per year.
  • To also respond to requests for early reviews following Allegations or Complaints against foster carers.
  • To maintain records & forms via the shared drive and electronic processes in place.
  • Household reviewing officers also undertake 6 monthly audits on their household reviews to monitor that recommendations have been followed through.
  • To proficiently contribute to the electronic data base for HHR. To be competent in the use of Mosaic.
  • To be available to work outside normal office hours as required in order to maintain the duties of this post.
  • To contribute to annual auditing fostering household files and complete audit form, raise disputes where resolution at local level cannot be achieved.
  • To complete reports detailing management information required - number of reviews carried out, timescale for completing the report, number of disputes raised, feedback from key stakeholders, the number of reviews as a result of allegations or complaint, those reviews required to return to panel for review of approval.
  • To have a working knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and the Fostering Minimum Standards and Regulations 2002.
  • To participate in quality assurance function as a second auditor.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

  • CQSW, Diploma in Social Work, Degree in Social Work or recognised equivalent
  • Willingness to undertake training relevant to the job and implement new practices and procedures.
  • Registered with Social Work England
  • Post Qualifying Award.
  • Management Qualification. NVQ 4 or equivalent.
  • A minimum of 4 years post qualifying experience in Children & Family Services
  • Experience of working in the fostering service
  • Experience of communication effectively with children and foster carers
  • Experience of constructively Challenging Practice to raise Standards of Care.
  • Experience in chairing meetings where recommendations are made
  • Experience of writing succinct analytical reports with clear outcomes and timescales.
  • Experience of raising disputes via dispute procedures.
  • Particular experience or training relating to Family Placements.
  • A thorough knowledge of Children Act 1989 and Fostering Minimum Standards and Regulations 2002.
  • Knowledge of care planning regulations for Children in Public care.
  • Knowledge of child protection practice and process in relation to Sec 47 and subsequent processes relevant to Fostering.
  • The ability to promote effective participation (particularly in meetings) of foster carers and children.
  • IT competent in Data base, protocol and ICS.
  • The ability to write succinct reports in good English.
  • The ability to analyse information, identify the key issues and communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing in a way which is understood by children and adults.
  • Ability to give constructive feedback to carers, practitioners and others.
  • Commitment to seeking and receiving feedback (from children, parents carers and practitioners) on own performance in the interests of continually improving the service
  • The ability to be child-centred and focused throughout and to keep the child's welfare as the paramount consideration.
  • Independence of professional judgement and understanding of Organisational process and how to achieve change.
  • Commitment to promoting Diversity within Fostering.
  • Full driving license & access to a vehicle for purpose or access to a driver & vehicle for work purpose.

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