Fostering Independent Reviewing Officer

Are you an experienced Social Worker looking for an exciting and rare opportunity to support and develop foster carers? The Fostering Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) sits within the Independent Reviewing Service overseen by the Service Manager for Safeguarding. In this role you will provide strategic advice and overview of the needs of the fostering service and would develop links with the Foster Carer Forum to build relationships and contribute to the development of our foster carers. You will work closely with the IROs for Children We Look After to understand the needs our children who our foster carers are taking care of. Can you join us and maintain the very highest quality oversight of our foster carers' development to ensure they provide the best care for our children and young people? About the role Wandsworth Children's Services is shaped by our Outstanding Practice Framework which places systemic practice at the centre of our work with Children and their Families. As a Fostering IRO you will undertake foster carer annual household reviews and produce high quality reports that contribute to the development of our foster carers and fostering service. In preparation for annual reviews, you will review the quality of oversight from our fostering service and hear feedback from children, young people and other professionals. As part of the role, you will undertake practice assurance and on occasion support the service with other duties where required.

• You will be a qualified social worker and have experience of working with Children We Look After and Fostering, as well as social work practice leadership.
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of Children Act 1989 and 2004, Fostering Regulations and National Minimum Standards, care planning legislation, reviewing officer regulations.
• Awareness of current national policy, evidence-based research and best practice.
• Ability to use systemic ideas and challenge foster families in a way that enhances the capacity to reflect and create change in practice and relationships with children in their care.
If you meet the required criteria and want to join a forward-thinking and progressive Social Work service, we encourage you to apply for this opportunity.