Location
London Borough of Waltham Forest, working regionally across Havering, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.

Hours
Full-time or part-time options available, 36 hours per week. Fixed term contract until 05/04/2027 with potential to extend.

Salary
PO1-PO4 £42,492 - £53,919 per annum (pro rata for part-time). Salary will be determined according to pay policy and relevant experience, with candidates having significant post-qualifying and fostering assessment experience considered for appointment at the upper end of the grade range. Retention bonus of £2,000 per annum (subject to eligibility).

About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the regional recruitment and assessment team to recruit, assess and support prospective foster carers. You will deliver high-quality fostering assessments, support applicants through the assessment process, contribute to foster carer preparation and training, and help ensure more children across northeast London have access to safe, stable and nurturing foster homes. Key responsibilities include undertaking comprehensive, evidence-based fostering assessments from allocation through to panel and recommendation; planning and managing all stages of the assessment process within agreed timescales; assessing applicants, household members and support networks; analysing parenting capacity, safeguarding awareness, family relationships and ability to meet children’s needs; applying professional curiosity and sound judgement to assess risk and safeguarding concerns; evaluating references and statutory checks; providing guidance and support to applicants; working collaboratively with agencies and partners; and supporting foster carer training preparation and delivery.

Experience
Proven experience in undertaking comprehensive fostering assessments, including completing high-quality Form F assessments, analysing complex life experiences and family dynamics, and presenting balanced, evidence-based recommendations to Fostering Panel.

About you
Committed to continuous professional development, reflective practice and professional supervision. Able to undertake strengths-based, anti-discriminatory and culturally competent assessments, recognising and challenging personal bias, discrimination and inequality. Skilled in building purposeful and effective relationships with prospective foster carers while maintaining professional boundaries, using empathy, professional curiosity and respectful challenge to explore sensitive and complex issues. Able to use professional curiosity, supervision, consultation and reflective practice to test evidence, challenge assumptions and strengthen professional judgement.

Qualifications
Relevant professional social work qualification and current Social Work England registration. Knowledge of child development, attachment, developmental trauma, adverse childhood experiences and the capacity to assess applicants’ ability to provide therapeutic, nurturing and reparative care to children with complex needs. Knowledge of fostering legislation, National Minimum Standards, Fostering Services Regulations and statutory guidance relating to recruitment, assessment and approval of foster carers.