Location
5 Pancras, London

Hours
36 hours per week

Salary
Level 3 Zone 1, starting £38,923

About the Role
A rare opportunity has arisen to join London Borough of Camden’s Family Friends and Fostering Service as a Panel Coordinator. You will become part of a child-focused team passionate about the safe placement of children and young people looked after by Camden. The role requires detailed knowledge of the legal framework of fostering, including kinship fostering, and excellent communication skills to support the service and panel members in delivering efficient and effective outcomes for Camden residents.

The Panel Coordinator plays a multidimensional role essential to the smooth and effective operation of fostering and permanence panels. Responsibilities include the efficient administration of panels, preparation before and after panel meetings, and provision of clear and accurate minutes. This role supports the strategic objectives of approving and reviewing foster carers and ensures the panel runs smoothly, which is crucial to delivering a high-quality family and friends fostering service.

The panel meets monthly, and the postholder will participate in regular panel training and work closely with agency advisors to administer the panel’s arrangements, annual appraisals, training, and maintain the central list of panel members.

This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and requires two references prior to interview. Camden Council offers DBS update service and provides comprehensive training and support from day one to help you deliver excellent service standards across the borough.

Experience
Minimum two years post-qualification experience working in a Children and Families Division, including experience in a fostering service.

About you
You will have knowledge of the legislative framework relating to children and fostering, including the Children Act 1989, Care Standards Act 2000, and Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011. You will be able to respond calmly and effectively to unexpected and emotive situations, seeking solutions and arranging additional services or resources as needed. You will demonstrate strong conflict resolution skills, creativity, resilience, and the ability to achieve positive outcomes in challenging circumstances.

Qualifications
You must hold a relevant Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.