There’s a real momentum at West Sussex County Council. We’re focused on creating more positive outcomes for children and their families and we have the optimism and enthusiasm to achieve it. We’ve already redesigned our service, transforming both our systems and the way we work. We’ve been inspired as one of only ten authorities involved in the Signs of Safety England Innovations Project. We are looking for an experienced social worker/manager to be our Fostering Panel Adviser. We have a thriving fostering service with much passion and caring for our foster carers and support them to provide the best possible care for the children placed with them. We have embarked on a major recruitment campaign for additional foster carers and have decided to set up this new post as part of our service redesign. Along with Signs of Safety we use a Developmental Trauma and Attachment focus in order to make the best decisions for children and their families and provide support to our foster carers. This role will involve running a number of fostering panels and providing expert advice and guidance to the Panel Chair /members about the fostering regulations and National Minimum Standards. You will also provide expert advice to social workers attending Panel and monitor the timeliness and quality of reports being presented to Panel. As the Fostering Panel Adviser, along with other Advanced Practitioners in the wider Children’s Service, you will take part in training social workers and other development initiatives. With experienced practitioners around you and a senior leadership team backing you up, you’ll be in an environment in which you can focus on real social work and the child’s journey. It’s a chance to make your mark as you provide expertise and guidance to colleagues to ensure that children get the interventions and support they need. You will need a full driving licence and access to a vehicle. 

Fostering Panel Adviser (Advanced Practitioner) 37,483 to 40,217 per annum Permanent, Full-time and Part-time Based in Horsham This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.