Independent Social Worker (Form F Assessor) – 1 Year Contract

Summary

Responsibilities

Initial Assessments

• Conduct initial assessment visits with prospective foster carers.
  
  


• Perform comprehensive interviews with applicants.
  
  


• Complete initial assessment documentation and reports.
  
  


• Evaluate the suitability of the home environment for fostering.
  
  


• Submit completed reports and progress updates within agreed timelines.
  
  

Form F Assessments

• Complete full BAAF Form F Assessments for prospective foster carers.
  
  


• Contact applicants within one week of allocation.
  
  


• Arrange and conduct a minimum of six home visits.
  
  


• Meet applicants both jointly and individually as needed.
  
  


• Interview children and significant family members.
  
  


• Reach out to adult children living away from home.
  
  


• Contact former partners when appropriate.
  
  


• Interview personal referees and complete referee reports.
  
  


• Analyze information gathered from references, checks, and interviews.
  
  


• Conduct health and safety assessments and develop safe caring plans.
  
  


• Produce comprehensive, evidence-based assessments with clear recommendations.
  
  

Assessment & Analysis

• Evaluate applicants' suitability to foster and their parenting capacity.
  
  


• Assess understanding of:
  
  
  
  • Safeguarding
    
    
  
  
  • Safer Caring
    
    
  
  
  • Child Development
    
    
  
  
  • Trauma
    
    
  
  
  • Attachment
    
    
  
  
  • Fostering Responsibilities
    
    
  
  


• Explore attitudes towards:
  
  
  
  • Equality and Diversity
    
    
  
  
  • Disability
    
    
  
  
  • Race and Culture
    
    
  
  
  • Sexuality and Gender Identity
    
    
  
  


• Assess applicants' understanding of contact with birth families.
  
  


• Make recommendations regarding:
  
  
  
  • Age range of children
    
    
  
  
  • Number of children
    
    
  
  
  • Types of placements
    
    
  
  

Panel & Professional Responsibilities

• Present completed assessments to the Fostering Panel.
  
  


• Attend consultation and progress meetings with Cardiff Children's Services.
  
  


• Collaborate closely with designated supervisors throughout the assessment process.
  
  


• Complete any additional work requested by the Panel.
  
  


• Ensure assessments comply with fostering regulations, National Minimum Standards, and local procedures.
  
  

• Qualified Social Worker (CQSW, DipSW, BA Social Work or equivalent).
  
  


• Registered with Social Care Wales (or equivalent UK Social Work registration body).
  
  


• Significant experience in:
  
  
  
  • Fostering Services, or
    
    
  
  
  • Looked After Children's Services
    
    
  
  


• Extensive experience in completing detailed, evidence-based assessments.
  
  


• Strong knowledge of:
  
  
  
  • Child Protection
    
    
  
  
  • Care Planning
    
    
  
  
  • Fostering Regulations
    
    
  
  
  • National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services
    
    
  
  
  • Children's Legislation
    
    
  
  


• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills.
  
  


• Strong interviewing, assessment, and communication skills.
  
  


• Ability to work independently and manage assessments to deadline.
  
  

Essential Compliance

• Enhanced DBS Check.
  
  


• Full UK Driving Licence.
  
  


• Appropriate business use vehicle insurance.
  
  


• Ability to undertake home visits as required.
  
  

What's on Offer?

• £39.95 per hour (Umbrella)
  
  


• 1 Year Contract
  
  


• Target Start Date: 05 January 2027
  
  


• Flexible assessment-based work.
  
  


• Bi-Weekly Pay
  
  


• Opportunity to support the assessment and approval of foster carers.
  
  


• Work with an established Local Authority Fostering Service.
  
  


• Meaningful role helping secure safe and stable homes for vulnerable children and young people.