The Fostering service has recently been through a period of transformation alongside other areas of Children's Services.  This has seen significant investment into the Fostering Service and in particular our assessments with families and friends team.  This is a great time to come and work with us.

In Lancashire our new recruits attend our established Social Work Academy, this is an extensive induction programme followed by regular recall days and training for ASYE's to support increased knowledge and confidence in practice. The Academy is run by our team of Practice Development Managers who provide a range of support, training and development across our service to help practice to be at the highest standards.

As one of the largest local authorities with a diverse and evolving range of services there are also many opportunities for future career progression and professional development. We also recognise that the right support is key to effective practice and your positive experience as a Social Worker. We have an excellent group of managers who share our values and aspirations for our service and who provide their Social Workers the support required to thrive in work.

This post is based within the Placement with Family and Friends Assessment Team, part of Lancashire's Fostering and Adoption Service.

• Undertaking viability assessments of proposed connected person carers and Special Guardians.

• Being part of a duty rota (alongside colleagues) in order to undertake regulation 24 assessments

• Preparing and assessing prospective connected person foster carers and Special Guardians, including compiling complex assessment reports to present to the fostering panel and the Court.

• Supervising and supporting connected person foster carers.

• Ensuring high quality care is available that meets the specific needs of children looked after and that all the standards and regulations are met.

This team is responsible for the assessment of family and friends as connected carers.  Social workers are responsible for undertaking dual fostering and special guardianship assessments.  They are responsible for the training and preparation of such carers to meet the specific needs of the children whom they are being assessed to care for.  Social workers are responsible for undertaking regulation 24 temporary approval assessments and supporting and supervising regulation 24 carers.  Social workers may be required to attend Court as part of their role in considering suitability of alternative carers where care proceedings are ongoing.

The team is based at County Hall in Preston however there is flexibility to work from home and from other office bases. The team covers work countywide and on occasion, nationwide.

For an informal discussion please contact Nicola Sullivan - Nicola.Sullivan@lancashire.gov.uk 

Please ensure you have uploaded and attached your supporting statement to evidence how you meet the criteria for the role. The panel may be unable to shortlist you for interview without this evidence.

The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab.

You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use. However, we may consider you if you cannot drive because of a disability.

You must be registered (HCPC) to be appointed as a Social Worker or have applied to register with the Social Care Council. For Social Worker/Care Manager positions where non social worker qualifications are accepted, registration is not required and you will be appointed as a Care Manager.

This post is a COVID-19 critical post. The successful applicant/s will be required to undergo regular COVID-19 testing and are strongly encouraged to take up the offer of the COVID-19 vaccination.

We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.

Job Description & Person Specification

Additional Information

• Minimum Salary: 30095
• Maximum Salary: 39571
• Pay Basis: Yearly
• Schedule Type: Full Time
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Hours: 37
• Closing Date: Aug 21, 2022