Fostering Supervisor
RESPONSIBLE TO: Registered Manager
JOB SUMMARY: To assess prospective foster parents in preparation for presentation to the organisation’s fostering panel. To supervise foster parents in their home to ensure they provide consistent high quality care to the children placed with them.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Accompany and present to the organisation’s fostering panel foster parent applicants who the job holder has assessed and is recommending for approval.
Negotiate a supervision contract with new foster parents incorporating the requirement to visit their home at least once every four weeks, including at least one unannounced visit during the year.
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Provide on-going advice, practical assistance and supervision to foster parents and be available on a rota basis to answer emergency mobile telephone calls to give advice.
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Take details of children referred to the organisation by local authorities and match their needs to the skills and experience of Diverse Care/Xcel 2000 foster parents.
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Take up complaints, criticisms etc on behalf of the foster parents with a child’s social worker.
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Assist foster parents to solve problems arising from placements such as finance, transport and resources.
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Pass on to the child’s social worker any significant events relating to the child (e.g. accidents, absconding).
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Be involved in foster parent training, including preparation training for new foster parents.
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Accompany foster parents at placement agreement meetings, childcare reviews, planning meetings etc and to court during care proceedings.
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Prepare the report for the foster parents’ annual review.
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Attend team and staff meetings when required.
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Chair foster parent support group meetings.
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Attend training, supervision when required.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF The Hazel Project
To provide a full fostering service for children and young people of all ages with the aim of rehabilitation (where appropriate), short or long term care or preparation for independence.
DESCRIPTION OF THE JOB:
To ensure the foster parents are working to statutory requirements with regard to standards, and acting in accordance with the company’s policies and procedures.
Undertake competency based assessments of prospective foster parents.
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
The role of Fostering Supervisor is non-managerial.
DESCRIPTION OF CURRENT CLIENT GROUP
Children and young people aged from 0 – 18 years, most with emotional/behavioural problems.
TYPICAL ISSUES FACED BY THE JOB HOLDER
Having the ability to address unacceptable practice by a foster parent without harming the relationship between the jobholder and foster parent.
TRAINING PROVIDED
An initial induction period including introduction to the company’s procedures and policies, meeting the organisation’s staff and foster parents, visiting work settings as well as an appreciation of the company’s overall aims and objectives.
Attention will be given to equipping the post holder with the necessary information and knowledge to undertake their duties.
Further development needs will be considered as part of the Staff Appraisal Scheme and the post holder’s development plan.
ESSENTIAL | DESIRABLE | |
|---|---|---|
Ability to provide consultancy, advice and support to colleagues. | Yes | |
Ability to work independently.
| Yes | |
Good oral and written communication skills.
| Yes | |
Ability to prioritise/organise and manage time effectively.
| Yes | |
Ability to work with parents, foster parents and other professionals to progress child-care plans.
| Yes | |
Ability to work alongside foster parents in offering supervision/constructive advice and support to achieve best standards of care for children.
| Yes | |
Supervising/supporting foster parents. | Yes | |
Assessing prospective foster parents using the ‘Form F’ format. | Yes | |
2 years post-qualification experience within the field of Children and Families work.
| Yes | |
Knowledge of the normal behavioural, emotional and social development of children. | Yes | |
An understanding of the principles of “working together” and the importance of child protection procedures.
| Yes | |
Knowledge of the major issues relating to the recruitment and assessment of prospective foster parents.
| Yes | |
A working knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and its associated regulations and guidance. | Yes | |
Social work qualification: CQSW, Diploma in Social Work. | Yes | |
Social Work England Registered
| Yes |