Fostering Advisor

Overview
Are you passionate about improving the lives of children and young people? Do you want to work for an employer who places major importance on high-quality supervision, well-being, and career development?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Fostering Advisor to join us on a part-time basis, 22.50 hours per week.

About us
Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally. 

Buckinghamshire is an ambitious, rapidly growing county, and our economy is one of the strongest in the country. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and ranks as one of the top rural areas to live in the UK and yet it is incredibly well connected– only an hour from London on the train. The county has a rich history and heritage and is the birthplace of the international Paralympic movement.

We are looking for motivated, ambitious and inspiring people to join us on our journey. You will be entitled to a range of different benefits to make sure you are happy both at work and at home.

About the role
We’re looking for an experienced social care practitioner with extensive and up to date knowledge of the fostering regulations. You should be able to offer sound advice to the Fostering Panel Chair and to the Agency Decision Maker to ensure the best outcomes are achieved for children.

We know your skills are highly sought after so we’re offering a market factor salary enhancement if you choose Bucks. You will also receive a Golden Hello payment of £2,125 upon your one year work anniversary; car allowances of £300 per annum (paid monthly), and a Relocation Allowance up to £8,000 (if applicable).

At Buckinghamshire Council, we’ll support you to develop your skills and experience and continue your own career progression.

About you
To make a great Fostering Adviser, you’ll bring your experience and knowledge with you and be confident in undertaking the role. You will work closely with colleagues from various teams and build positive links between your team and other parts of the service to ensure effective multi-professional working. You will hold a degree in social work (DipSW), a Post Qualifying Award in Social Work Practice and be registered with the HCPC.

Other information
If you would like to find out more about this role, please contact Megan Lawrence at megan.lawrence@buckinghamshire.gov.uk


About the Business Unit
Buckinghamshire is a successful, growing place with fantastic natural assets, a highly productive economy and many resourceful and thriving communities. However, we are far from complacent and our new and ambitious unitary authority is well placed to tackle the challenges associated with growth, an aging population, climate change and inequalities in both opportunities and outcomes – particularly for our children and young people.

Children’s Services is on an improvement journey and as our very recent Ofsted report shows, we have continued to improve despite the pressures of the pandemic and have built solid foundations for future success. Relationships with partners are strong and our collective response to the pandemic has strengthened and deepened our work together.

We have a big, ambitious agenda for Buckinghamshire, and our teams work collaboratively and at pace to make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people across the county.

We are looking for talented and driven individuals to help us achieve the best outcomes for our children, young people and families in Buckinghamshire. Our key priorities include continuing to protect vulnerable children and young people from harm, whilst sustaining an environment where social work practice can thrive. Through our vital work with our partners, including The Buckinghamshire Safeguarding Childrens Partnership, we continue to improve our collective response to children and young people who have been exposed to domestic abuse, exploitation, substance misuse and mental health issues.

No matter what role you take on in our Children’s services, you will be part of a team who is dedicated to supporting children and their families to achieve their full potential.