Outset Fostering Agency
Freelance Form F Assessing Social Worker
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Freelance Form F Assessing Social Worker
Location: West Midlands (with opportunities across neighbouring regions)
Contract Type: Self-Employed / Freelance
Fee: £2,000 per successfully completed Form F Assessment
Reports to: Assessment Manager
About Outset Fostering Agency
Outset Fostering Agency is an independent fostering agency committed to recruiting, assessing and supporting exceptional foster carers who can provide safe, nurturing and stable homes for children and young people.
We believe that every child deserves to thrive in a family environment where they are valued, understood and supported to reach their full potential. We are looking for experienced, motivated and highly skilled freelance Form F Assessing Social Workers who share our commitment to safeguarding children and delivering high-quality fostering assessments.
This is an excellent opportunity for experienced social workers seeking flexible, rewarding freelance work while maintaining high professional standards.
The Role
As a Freelance Form F Assessing Social Worker, you will undertake comprehensive, evidence-based fostering assessments of prospective foster carers in accordance with:
- The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011
- The Fostering Services: National Minimum Standards
- The Children Act 1989 and associated guidance
- Relevant statutory guidance
- Social Work England Professional Standards
- Outset Fostering Agency policies and procedures
You will work independently whilst maintaining close communication with the Assessment Manager throughout the assessment process to ensure high-quality reports are completed within agreed timescales.
Key Responsibilities
You will:
- Complete comprehensive Form F fostering assessments from allocation through to panel.
- Undertake home visits with prospective foster carers.
- Interview all members of the household where appropriate.
- Complete individual interviews with applicants.
- Conduct health and safety assessments of applicants' homes.
- Assess applicants' motivation, parenting capacity, resilience, relationships and support networks.
- Obtain and analyse references, statutory checks and supporting documentation.
- Liaise professionally with referees and relevant professionals.
- Produce analytical, evidence-based and balanced Form F reports to an exceptionally high standard.
- Identify strengths, vulnerabilities and areas requiring further exploration.
- Make clear recommendations regarding applicants' suitability to foster.
- Present completed assessments at Fostering Panel where required.
- Respond promptly to quality assurance feedback.
- Maintain accurate, confidential and contemporaneous records.
- Escalate safeguarding concerns immediately in accordance with agency procedures.
- Work collaboratively with Supervising Social Workers, Panel Advisors and the wider fostering team.
- Meet agreed assessment timescales and deadlines.
- Represent Outset Fostering Agency professionally at all times.
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Person Specification
Essential
Applicants must have:
- A recognised Social Work qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).
- Current Social Work England registration.
- Minimum three years' post-qualifying experience working with children and families.
- Significant experience within fostering services.
- Previous experience completing Form F Assessments.
- Experience presenting assessments to Fostering Panel.
- Excellent analytical assessment skills.
- Excellent written communication skills.
- Strong interviewing skills.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills.
- Ability to work independently.
- Comprehensive understanding of safeguarding legislation.
- Sound knowledge of:
- The Children Act 1989
- The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011
- National Minimum Standards
- Care Planning Regulations
- Safer Caring
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- Full UK driving licence.
- Access to a suitable vehicle.
- Professional indemnity insurance.
- Enhanced DBS clearance (or willingness to obtain one).
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Desirable
- Experience of completing assessments for Independent Fostering Agencies.
- Therapeutic fostering experience.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practice.
- Knowledge of PACE and attachment-informed practice.
- Experience of electronic recording systems.
Skills and Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Exceptional assessment skills.
- High professional standards.
- Strong analytical thinking.
- Emotional intelligence.
- Professional curiosity.
- Excellent report-writing ability.
- Sound professional judgement.
- Confidence working autonomously.
- Ability to meet competing deadlines.
- Integrity and professionalism.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Child-centred practice.
- Commitment to equality and diversity.
If you have any queries, please email ssium@outsetfostering.co.uk
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