Job Introduction
The Fostering Service at Milton Keynes Council is a large friendly dynamic team, it is managed by one Operational Manager and supported by two Deputy Team Managers who focus on the day to day running of the service. There are two strands to the team including Support & Supervision and Recruitment & Assessment.
Together we are responsible for the recruitment, assessment, support and supervision of mainstream and kinship Foster Carers. We assess, review and monitor private fostering arrangements. We offer support, advise and assistance to our Special Guardian’s post order. We are seeking an experienced, self-motivated and creative Social Worker to join the Fostering Team which assesses potential Foster Carers, Family and Friends and Connected Persons carers.
For more information and an informal discussion, please contact: Arek Ksiazek, Deputy Team Manager, Fostering Recruitment and Assessment:
M: 07810853148 | E: Arek.Ksiazek@Milton-Keynes.gov.uk
Main Responsibility
This role is in relation to the Recruitment & Assessment side of the Fostering Team.
You will assess and support potential Family and Friends and Connected Persons carers who have come forward through the PLO process to offer a long-term placement for children who are connected to them. The team is also responsible for recruitment and assessment of Foster Carers.
Main responsibilities and duties include:
Recruitment and assessment of Foster carers and presenting at Fostering Panel
Undertake succinct, timely and thorough Kinship Assessments in complex situations, using Signs of Safety frameworks
Take a lead role in project work to improve and develop the Fostering Service
Facilitating and attending Foster Carer and Special guardians Support Groups
Supporting the effective running of the duty service which includes arranging and undertaking initial viability assessments of prospective Kinship carers.
Given that the work involves completing assessments within specified timescales and against court deadlines, you must have good planning and organisational skills.
Keeping accurate records
Ensuring Foster Carer Compliance
Participate in staff meetings and contribute to the development of the team and the wider service.
Ability to manage own work load effectively and willing to support other staff when need arises.
Supervision of staff will also be required
The Ideal Candidate
- Social Work Qualification and registration with Social Work England
- Enhanced DBS, driving license and a car use
- Ability to use IT systems effectively
- Ability to work as part of a team including working co-operatively with other professionals and agencies to meet the needs of the Foster Carers and children they care for.
- Ability to question, challenge, solve problems and complete tasks
- Flexible and willing to adapt to change
Package Description
We are really proud of the benefits we are able to offer our staff here at Milton Keynes Council, including:-
- Local Government Pension Scheme, considered to be one of the best employer contribution rates of 19.7%
- 27 days annual leave per year in addition to statutory and public holidays, rising to 31 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, Apprenticeship Programmes (junior and senior), 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.
- 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, multi cultural, adrenaline packed expanding city with so much to offer on its door step. From beautiful open spaces, a busy theatre district, large shopping centre to a number of cultural and leisure facilities.
Milton Keynes Council has an array of responsibilities, such as: education, housing, highways and social services. Altogether, the council provides over 240 services to the citizens of Milton Keynes, and to meet such an extensive and diverse range of challenges we must be innovative and dynamic to provide services successfully to meet the increasing demands that will accompany the growth of Milton Keynes. How better to contribute to that continued success than through a unique and rewarding career with us. If you want to make a difference and experience a fulfilling job measured on outcomes and results with great work-life balance, make a move to Milton Keynes Council.
