Post Ref: CC739

Please note: Priority may be given to internal applicant

This is an exciting time to join the Fostering Service – Our service is striving to be an outstanding fostering service whereby social workers are valued, passionate about their role and can shape the service we deliver with new ideas, initiatives and specialist areas.

We are recruiting a part -time Assessing Social Worker, to sit in the recruitment and assessment pod.

The role will primarily be to assess applicants wishing to foster and to assess connected carers to enable children and young people to be cared for safely on a permanent basis in their wider family.

You will also undertake initial viability assessments and initial visits of prospective foster carers and support the recruitment activity and pre-approval training for prospective foster carers.

We have an excellent working relationship with our fostering families and your role will be paramount in assessing prospective carers and supporting the matching of children to their care. You will need to work within court and fostering regulatory timescales and be required to participate in care planning meetings and work closely with colleagues in placement finding.

You will need to be a self-motivated individual with proven assessment skills , excellent communication and organisational skills. You will be someone who can take responsibility for their own workload, time management and planning.

The ability to work autonomously both in a 1:1 and group setting with families would be a great asset. You will need to have an understanding of the impact of early trauma and issues affecting children and young people who are unable to live with their birth parents and an ability to work empathetically and creatively with fostering families and connected carers to ensure they continue to receive the most appropriate support to meet their needs.

The post holder will receive further training and development opportunities and must be keen and enthusiastic to access additional opportunities to support them in their role.

Applications will only be considered from those who hold a recognised social work qualification and can demonstrate a sound understanding of the Fostering Services Regulations and relevant child care legislation and a commitment to achieving permanence for children and young people.

Calderdale Council provides a generous annual leave scheme of up to 35 days plus bank holidays for those who have 5 years or more local authority continuous service.

The benefits of working for Calderdale Children’s Social Care are that you will be supported to provide the very best service for our children and fostering families.

Quality reflective supervision is provided and there is a strong learning culture within the service as well as a great sense of belonging and peer involvement.

You will be given a comprehensive induction program and provided with regular person focused supervision to meet your well-being, training, and development needs. You will manage your own diary and benefit from being able to work from home as well as having access to an office base to enable you to meet with colleagues and other teams and services.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. Applicants to posts that are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act will require a DBS from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed.

Closing Date: Sunday 21st April 2024
Interview Date: TBC

We may utilise digital interview methods.

As part of our Vision (https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision/) we aim to be a talented, resilient and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all and offer a variety of flexible working / job share opportunities for both full and part time staff.

On 30 January 2019, the Council declared a climate emergency in a bold move to step up its action to tackle climate change.

Calderdale Council embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and we are committed to providing an environment that is inclusive. We encourage applications from people who share our commitment to challenge inequality and promote diversity across Calderdale.

We particularly welcome applications from communities that are currently under-represented in our organisation. All applications are anonymised before being seen by the selection panel.

For support on your application please read our Application Booklet or visit our Employment Hub.We reserve the right to close vacancies prior to the advertised closing date, an early submission is advised.