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Job Description

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Introduction

An exciting opportunity is available as a senior social worker in our Fostering Recruitment and Retention Team, based at our friendly Fostering Hub in Catford. You will be joining a team of dedicated workers in recruiting and assessing prospective carers to meet the diverse needs of children in care in Lewisham

What’s the role? …

• Undertaking Form F assessments
• Participating in marketing and recruitment events
• Supporting with information events and taking Initial Enquiries
• Undertaking Initial Home visits to prospective carers
• Providing clear, information and guidance to prospective carers including helping them to understand the impact of fostering on their personal circumstances
• Attendance at fostering panel to present Form F assessments
• Facilitating pre and post panel trainings and support groups
• Supporting less or differently experienced members to develop expertise in recruitment and assessment
• Taking part in group supervision

What’s in it for you?

• Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

What we’re looking for

We are looking for a candidate with a sound and through understanding of the fostering recruitment and assessment process, and a passion for meeting the needs of children in care. We are looking for you to bring a creative and open approach to engaging and assessing prospective foster carers from a variety of backgrounds. You will have a sound working knowledge of fostering regulations and standards and have excellent interpersonal skills.

If you want to work in a thriving borough and our social work vision connects with your professional values, then we are interested in hearing from you. We are looking for people to join our team who:

• value the importance of communication and seeking feedback
• can inspire and motivate those they work with, manage and lead
• are committed to developing their skills and expertise to deliver an excellent service
• are professionally curious and value thinking slowly and calmly in a balanced way
• work inclusively, collaboratively with others recognising their strengths
• take responsibility and make a positive contribution by focusing on solutions
• are transparent, are appreciative in enquiry, reflect and learn.

Location

The job is primarily based at our Fostering Hub, 45 Bromley Road, SE6 2UA, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis. You will also be expected to take part in some recruitment activities in evenings at weekend.

Special conditions

The post holder must have a social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England

• The job is subject to a DBS check (Basic/Enhanced)

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs.

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact FHCRecruitment@lewisham.gov.uk

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£50,175 - £52,269 per annum SSW (SCP 35-37)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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