Fostering Reviewing Officer

The function of the Fostering Reviewing Officer is to chair all household reviews for foster carers, provide a report of the meeting to be shared with participants and managers of the suitability of foster carers, which will include a clear summary of the meeting, recommendations and action points and ensure these are followed up by the Fostering Team.

Purpose of Job:

• The purpose of the job is to ensure that all fostering households meet the statutory requirements regarding statutory reviews and to ensure that all the fostering households meeting the national minimum standards.
• Fundamental to fulfilling the responsibilities of this post is the ability to respond flexibly, positively and successfully to the ever-changing pressures that local authorities face. This Job Description is a guide to the level and range of responsibilities the post holder will be expected to undertake initially. It is neither inclusive nor exclusive and will be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances and demands.
• The job is part of the development and delivery of an effective, efficient and value for money operational service, ensuring the effective delivery of high-quality children's services in the London Borough of Redbridge.

Main Duties:

• To chair all Household reviews for foster carers, provide a report of the meeting.
• To Critically read the Review paperwork sent to them prior to the Review Meeting.
• To Identify salient areas that should be discussed at the review meeting and any matters that need to be explored with relevant parties beforehand (via SSW/Line Manager).
• To formulate an agenda covering all pertinent areas to be covered in the review meeting.
• To chair the meeting in a facilitative, inclusive and rigorous manner and draw out key matters explored in the Review Meeting.
• Make a substantiated and properly evidenced recommendation, drawing on the deliberation of the Review Meeting and the Review paperwork (using TSD Standards/Fostering Competencies).
• To complete reports/detailed Review Meating Minutes, ensuring that all the above have been covered.
• Where issues of professional practice arise in respect of staff or carers pertaining to their capability, performance or conduct, the Reviewing Officer must bring these to the attention of the Team Manager and Head of Service.
• To provide advice, guidance, and consultation to all staff on Fostering Regulations and National Minimum Standards to support the development of the Fostering Service to ensure we are delivering high quality support to all foster carers. Engendering a culture of safe working practice to ensure Foster Carers adhere to safeguarding and health and safety responsibilities.
• To write complex reports and briefing papers on policy and operational issues for the Service Manager, Head of Service and Operational Lead as well as for a range of meetings, service and project management groups.
• To ensure the quality of all assessments and reports written by the Fostering Service are to an excellent standard.
• To be responsible for the information management of the review spreadsheet.
• To ensure that decision making in all children and Foster Carer matters is undertaken in accordance with legislation, local procedures and best practice.
• To play an integral part in the implementation and development of a high standard of care to all children placed with Redbridge Foster Carers.
• To develop, in conjunction with other service areas and external agencies, options to support Foster Carers, Connected Carers and the children placed in their care.
• To identify service improvement opportunities, manage their implementation and evaluate the outcomes.

Connect2Staff/Connect2Kent, part of Commercial Services Trading/Kent Ltd, is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business and positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.