Vacancies

Fostering Independent Reviewing Officer

Main Responsibility

• As Independent Fostering Reviewing Officer you’ll be required to chair all Household reviews for foster carers, provide a report of the meeting to be shared with participants and managers of the suitability of foster carers, which will include a clear summary of the meeting, recommendations and action points and ensure these are followed up by Fostering Team.
• Provide advice, guidance, and consultation to all staff on Fostering Regulations and National Minimum Standards to support the development of the Fostering Service to ensure we are delivering high quality support to all foster carers. Creating a culture of safe working practice to ensure Foster Carers adhere to safeguarding and health and safety responsibilities.
• Support Fostering Service with internal auditing and preparation for Ofsted inspections.
• Establish, develop and maintain productive working relationships with third parties, groups and individuals within the team’s operational remit. Ensuring that the voice of the child is heard and considered within all social work activity and that Foster Carers are promoting and understanding the child's journey through care, which will be evident in the reviews.
• Plan, prepare and facilitate training/workshops for staff, Foster Carers and Fostering and Permanence Panel members in relation to the reviewing process and legislative framework. To ensure compliance, progress and commitment of Foster Carers in undertaking and completing requirements such as TSD standards and mandatory training.

The Ideal Candidate

• Social work qualification and Registered with the Social Work England.
• Experience of working in a local authority fostering service and knowledge of National Minimum Standards, Fostering Regulations and The Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations.
• Ability to chair complex meetings, analyse, summarise and write/record relevant information clearly and concisely so that it is easily understood by users and colleagues. To effectively manage workload to ensure effective performance and outcomes of all Household Reviews.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including communication with children and young people and their families and professionals at a range of levels.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and ability to monitor performance by the LA of their functions in relation to a child’s case, ensuring that agreed plans are implemented within available resources in a timely and effective manner to achieve best outcomes for the child.

Package Description

​We are really proud of the benefits we are able to offer our staff here at Milton Keynes City Council, including:-

• Local Government Pension Scheme, considered to be one of the best employer contribution rates of 18.8%.
• 28 days annual leave per year in addition to statutory and public holidays, rising to 32 days after 5 years.
• Holiday Purchase Scheme.
• Our Professional Development Centre provides access to courses such as in-house management development programmes endorsed by the Institute of Leadership, coaching and mentoring and access to our Smarter Learning portal
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Health Cashplan.
• MK Advantage benefits package – a range of savings on a wide range of retail, leisure and entertainment products and services such as Pizza Express, M&S, B&Q, John Lewis and Arriva Travel.
• Blue Light Card - Employees working within Social Care can qualify for a range of discounts from national retailers to local businesses in a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones and much more!
• SmartGo – Aimed at encouraging low-carbon transport and healthy lifestyle with discounted travel e.g. Halfords, Arriva, Europcar, National Railcards and Stagecoach.
• Homebuy Scheme (for eligible roles).
• Smarter working which provides the opportunity to work from various locations including from home for a proportion of your role (subject to business needs).
• A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Paternity entitlements.
• Childcare Subsidy.

About The Organisation

Milton Keynes is a diverse, welcoming, and expanding place, built on smart ideas with even bigger plans for the future. We have world class attractions, beautiful open spaces, and a great standard of living.

Milton Keynes City Council is one of the largest employers in the region, making a difference every day for local people. We’re responsible for all local government services in MK including education, housing, highways, and social services - around 240 services in all.

Our values are to be dedicated, respectful, and collaborative. If this sounds like you, join us for a stimulating and fulfilling career measured on results, and a rewarding work-life balance.