Consultant Social Worker (Fostering)

Consultant Social Worker (Fostering) – 3 Month Contract Location: Cawley Priory, South Pallant, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1TH Rate: £61.76 per hour (Umbrella) Contract: 3 Month Contract Hours: Full Time Working Pattern: Hybrid Working Initial training period will be office-based At least 2 days per week on site Remaining time working remotely DBS: Enhanced DBS Required Driving Licence: Required Social Work England Registration: Required Pay: Bi-Weekly Summary A Local Authority is in search of a seasoned Consultant Social Worker to aid in the establishment of Regional Fostering arrangements.

This role is pivotal in harmonizing fostering practices, crafting regional guidelines, and developing uniform training programs for recruitment, assessment, and approval processes in fostering. The ideal candidate will be a proficient social work expert capable of working autonomously, influencing practices across various teams, and executing complex tasks swiftly.

About the Role

In this role, you will spearhead the creation of regional fostering practice standards, quality assurance frameworks, and training programs aimed at enhancing consistency and quality in fostering services. Collaborating with senior leaders and fostering professionals, you will lead workshops, conduct training, develop guidelines, and support implementation activities throughout the region.

This position demands a proactive individual who can operate independently while effectively engaging with stakeholders at all levels.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development of regional fostering practice guidance. Establish and implement standardized fostering recruitment, assessment, and approval processes. Design and deliver regional training programs for fostering services. Support the implementation of Regional Fostering initiatives. Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and stakeholder engagement events.

Develop quality assurance frameworks and practice standards. Review current fostering practices and identify areas for improvement. Provide expert advice to senior managers and fostering teams. Ensure practices comply with fostering regulations, statutory guidance, and best practices. Produce guidance documents, reports, recommendations, and implementation plans.

Collaborate with fostering services, senior leaders, and partner organizations. Promote consistency and quality across fostering recruitment and assessment pathways. Essential Requirements Requirements: Qualified Social Worker. Current Social Work England Registration. Enhanced DBS Certificate. Full UK Driving Licence.

Extensive experience within Fostering Services. In-depth understanding of fostering recruitment, assessment, approval, and quality assurance processes. Experience in developing fostering practice guidance and standards. Experience in designing and delivering training programs. Strong knowledge of fostering legislation, regulations, and statutory guidance.

Ability to work independently and achieve results swiftly. Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills. Mandatory Experience Candidates must have held a Principal Social Worker role or higher. Extensive experience in leading practice development and service improvement initiatives. Experience in supporting quality assurance and practice governance frameworks.

Experience in influencing practice across multiple teams and services. What's on Offer? £61.76 per hour (Umbrella) 3 Month Contract Hybrid Working Minimum 2 Days Per Week On Site Enhanced DBS Required Social Work England Registration Required Driving Licence Required Bi-Weekly Pay Opportunity to shape regional fostering practice.

Lead the development of fostering guidance, quality standards, and training. High-profile assignment supporting Regional Fostering implementation. Collaborate with senior leaders and fostering professionals to drive practice improvement. Ideal for candidates with experience as a Consultant Social Worker, Principal Social Worker, Head of Fostering, Fostering Service Manager, Practice Development Lead, Quality Assurance Manager, Strategic Fostering Lead, or Senior Social Work Consultant.