Experienced Social Worker - Weston-Super-Mare

To carry out the duties and responsibilities under a range of pieces of legislation principally the Children Act 1989, the Care Standards Act 2000, the Adoption Act 2003 and associated standards, regulations and guidance

To design and facilitate training and support packages for prospective foster carers, Special Guardians and adopters.

To undertake initial consultations and reviews in order to make recommendations around needs, risks and strategies to support children looked after and foster carers. Recommendations made will use research and evidence-based practice.

To provide counselling and advice to different people in a range of circumstances, e.g. foster carers, adopters, Special Guardians, other professionals

To establish a plan of support for an approved foster carer or Special Guardians or adopter which will include record keeping, facilitating support groups, accessing services which will ensure the best outcomes for children and their families. This will be both on an ongoing basis and in response to crisis situations.

To undertake direct work and group work as required both in a lead role and in conjunction with the family support key workers.

To be a member of North Somerset Fostering Panel, if required.

To ensure that management are informed of circumstances of a serious nature where children are at extreme risk or there is a degree of public interest or other situations involving risk to staff, carers or service users.

To establish and maintain good working relationships with other professionals within the Directorate and with external agencies in order to protect children, ensure positive life chances for children looked after, and to meet the needs of children in need.

To maintain foster carer, case and service user records and undertake general administration and maintenance of systems related to the caseload, including computerised management information systems, according to relevant legislation and Directorate procedures and policies

To participate in North Somerset Council’s Staff Appraisal system, undertaking training and research as required and assisting in the promotion of specialist skills.