Social Worker - Permanence & Fostering

Childcare social worker for Islington's Permanence team (Kinship) to support special guardian carers once an order has been made. The social worker will also be responsible for family finding for long term foster carers for children who can not live with their own family. REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE E1 Recognised social work qualification (e.g. Dip SW or equivalent). E2 Experience in a children’s and families setting with experience of adoption, special guardianship or family placements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITY E3 Knowledge of legislation and statutory guidance relating to kinship care, fostering, and current issues in provision of services to looked after children. E4 Knowledge of attachment and child development and how such issues relate to permanence planning for children. E5 Ability to effectively co-ordinate and review support plans to promote placement stability through working in partnership with families, relevant professionals and external agencies. E6 Ability to undertake evidence-based assessments on prospective family and friends’ foster carers and special guardians. Ability to analyse assessment information and to formulate reports (to include post placement support plans). E7 Knowledge of support available to adopters and special guardians, including pre/post placement support, birth record counselling and issues relating to contact. E8 Ability to assist in the preparation and delivery of training programmes and to analyse and compile feedback reports. E9 Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, (including ability to provide consultation, advice and guidance to other social work staff on family placement matters and give evidence in court where necessary). E10 Ability to provide clear, accurate and contemporaneous case recording using ICT (Microsoft Word and Database experience) and write reports and court statements. E11 Ability to form appropriate professional relationships with children, young people and families. E12 Ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines. E13 Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends