Five Rivers
Foster Carer Independent Reviewing Officer - Westcountry
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Job Description: Foster Carer Independent Reviewing Officer
This is a home-based role with travel across the Westcountry region as required. The successful candidate will undertake foster carer first annual reviews and other reviews where an in-person meeting is considered beneficial. You will become part of an experienced and supportive fostering team committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for children, young people, and foster families.
At Five Rivers, we work from a comprehensive Trauma-Informed (ATIC) model, recognising the significant impact that childhood trauma can have on development, relationships, and wellbeing. Our integrated approach brings together fostering, residential, education, and clinical services to provide holistic support for children and young people. This ensures foster carers receive expert guidance and professional support, empowering them to provide stable, nurturing, and therapeutic care environments.
To find out more about our fostering service, visit Five Rivers.
About The Role
As the Foster Carer Independent Reviewing Officer, you will play a vital role in maintaining high standards across our fostering service through robust and independent oversight of foster carer reviews.
You will work collaboratively with foster carers, supervising social workers, managers, and other professionals to ensure that fostering households continue to meet regulatory requirements while receiving the support necessary to provide high-quality care.
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This role requires a reflective practitioner who can balance support and challenge while promoting trauma-informed practice throughout the fostering service.
Key Responsibilities
- Chair and oversee annual foster carer reviews, ensuring all assessments are evidence-based and compliant with fostering regulations and National Minimum Standards.
- Complete first annual foster carer reviews and undertake in-person reviews when appropriate.
- Produce clear, analytical, and high-quality review reports with recommendations for continued approval.
- Evaluate foster carers' strengths, development needs, and training requirements.
- Ensure the voice and experiences of children and young people are reflected throughout the review process.
- Monitor fostering practice and identify areas of excellence and improvement.
- Promote continuous learning and reflective practice among foster carers and professionals.
- Contribute to service development initiatives and quality assurance processes.
- Support the embedding and development of Five Rivers' trauma-informed approach across the fostering service.
- Maintain professional relationships with internal teams, foster carers, local authorities, and external agencies.
Trauma-Informed Practice at Five Rivers
Our trauma-informed model is at the heart of everything we do. We understand that children who have experienced adversity require carers and professionals who can respond with empathy, insight, and therapeutic understanding.
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As an Independent Reviewing Officer, you will champion trauma-informed practice by:
- Evaluating how trauma-informed approaches are being implemented within fostering households.
- Supporting foster carers to reflect on and develop therapeutic parenting strategies.
- Identifying opportunities for additional support and intervention.
- Promoting an understanding of attachment, resilience, and recovery throughout the review process.
- Helping ensure every child receives care that recognises and responds to their individual experiences and needs.
Essential Requirements
- Recognised Social Work qualification.
- Current registration with Social Work England.
- Significant experience within fostering and/or children's social care.
- Strong understanding of fostering regulations, National Minimum Standards, and safeguarding responsibilities.
- Experience of chairing meetings and producing analytical reports.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building, and professional challenge skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a wider team.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.
- Right to work in the UK.
Why Five Rivers?
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Jessica, London