Job profile

Are you a registered Social Worker? Olive Branch Fostering has an exciting opportunity for an Independent Reviewing Officer to join the team.

Summary of the main purpose of the role:

• The post entails the planning, preparation and chairing of annual foster carer reviews.
• To co-ordinate and develop the reviewing service practice, policies, and systems.
• To quality assure the practice, supervision and support provided to foster carers by staff employed by Olive Branch Fostering.

Key Responsibilities.

• To work within and adhere to Olive Branch Fostering policies and procedures.
• To respect confidentiality and to comply with your duty of confidentiality to Olive Branch Fostering. Keep all information in relation to foster carers in a secure place throughout the reviewing process.
• To prepare for Foster Carer reviews by reading the carer’s annual review documents prior to the review being held.
• To quality assure the reports from Supervising Social Workers regarding Foster Carers and children in their care.
• To ensure that the reports link purposefully to relevant theory, including the agencies underpinning model used, The Secure Base Model.
• To chair and minute foster carer annual reviews, ensuring that all information provided is shared, discussed and recorded.
• To highlight areas of good practice or commendations alongside areas of development for both the foster carer and the agency. Provide participants with a clear summary of the meeting, recommendations, and action points.
• Show ability to use systemic ideas and challenge foster carers in a way that enhances the person’s ability to reflect and create change in practice and relationships with children in their care.
• To confirm all checks including medical, DBS, local authorities are within date. That all household insurances are up to date, M.O.T and car insurance is valid, Health & Safety and Safe Care Policies are current and implemented. Foster carers are fulfilling the Agency expectations in relation to recording and training and the Foster Care Agreement.
• To prepare a review report with clear recommendations and evidencing the reasoning behind the recommendations made. Meet and work within the Agency deadlines and timescales to ensure the efficient running of the service.
• Where necessary attend and present reports to the Independent Fostering panel or attend to provide clarity in relation to complex issues or disagreement.
• Discuss the progress and commitment of foster carers in undertaking and completing requirements such as TDS standards.
• To prepare reports and overviews in relation to the review service as required by Senior Management.
• To prepare and cooperate with internal audits and regulatory inspections by OFSTED.
• Identify and undertake appropriate training as the opportunities arise.