Fostering (Assessment) Social Worker

Having been awarded ‘Good’ by Ofsted this is an exciting time to join us in Croydon Children’s Services. As if that wasn’t enough, Croydon has been named as the London Borough of Culture for 2023. We have invested in our workforce and created a positive environment for our social workers to make a difference and achieve change for our most vulnerable children and families through direct relationship-based social work practice. We have supported our staff to have an understanding of systemic theoretical framework and models underpinning our interventions; to have access to the right tools, equipment and resources; and, the right supervision, training and learning opportunities they need to be strong practitioners.

Croydon Fostering

The Fostering Service recruit, assess, support and develop foster carers. The teams match children to families and provide continual support. Placement support is a real strength across the fostering service, as it strives to achieve permanence and the very best outcomes for the children in care in Croydon. This is an exciting time within the Fostering Service as there are many new developments taking place and it is a great opportunity to be part of a supportive and dedicated team.

The role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for full time Fostering assessment social workers. The successful candidate will be a part of a creative fostering service that works with theories of trauma, attachment and loss, and restorative practice to ensure the best outcomes for our children.

The primary focus of the Fostering assessment social worker role will be assessing prospective foster carers (completing Form F assessments), contribute to the Skills to Foster training, present foster carers to the fostering panel, and carrying out general tasks within the wider fostering team.

Self-motivated and accustomed to working to deadlines, you will have good IT and communication skills, with experience of establishing and nurturing multi-agency relationships.

To be shortlisted to interview for this position, your application will clearly evidence:

• Experience of working with children and young people and a comprehensive knowledge of legislation relating to Children Looked After.
• An ability to be able to work directly with the wider public, foster carers and young people, and be able to produce clear, evidence based and analytical assessments.
• Flexibility to be able to work evenings and occasional weekends, as the role includes attending recruitment events and home visits outside office hours.
• You need to be a qualified social worker and registered with Social Work England.

This role is primarily based within the Fostering Team in Bernard Weatherill House in Central Croydon but you will need to be prepared to travel extensively, therefore access to your own transport is essential.

For an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Sara Nugent, team manager. Email sara.nugent@croydon.gov.uk; tel: 07958262594.

Interviews dates are 29 and 30 April 2021.

Equal opportunities statement

Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.

Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The Successful candidate will be subject to a enhanced DBS check.