Independent Assessment Social Work Post
Donegal / North West

Reports to: Orchard Fostering Assessment Team Leader

Location: Donegal/North West

Purpose of post:

To provide quality Assessments of potential foster carers, and complete assessments within a predetermined timeframe while adhering to the National Standards for Foster Care.

Main duties:

1. To maintain high standards of professional practice.
2. To provide quality assessments of prospective foster carers.
3. Ensuring that all procedural requirements with respect to reviewing, consultation and recording are adhered to.
4. To undertake appropriate training and to maintain a knowledge of changes to company procedure, legislation, and regulations and of developments in professional practice.
5. To ensure that the service provided is compliant with regulations and National Standards for Foster Care, as well as company policies and procedures.
6. To ensure accurate, contemporaneous recording throughout the assessment process.
7. To complete initial screening visits to foster care applicants, as agreed.
8. To complete fostering assessments within the timeframe of the National Standards for Foster Care of sixteen weeks.
9. To furnish excellent quality assessment reports for presentation to foster care committees.
10. To travel to and from foster carer homes to undertake assessments.
11. Attendance at foster care committees to present assessment reports.
12. To conduct business in a manner that upholds a positive image of Orchard Fostering.
13. To ensure compliance with the company’s guidance and policy on safeguarding and are required to attend and/or or complete child protection training (Children’s First).
14. To ensure the National Standards for Foster Care and the Fostering Regulations are adhered to at all times.
15. Maintain professional standards of practice and to work in accordance with the company vision, values, procedures, and managerial guidance.
16. To ensure the implementation of escalation policies for Assessments.
17. To keep up to date with legislative changes and good practice to ensure our service remains at the cutting edge of fostering services.
18. To ensure that all risks identified are recorded and reported to all relevant people and recorded on our risk spreadsheet and on the management drive.
19. To actively participate in supporting the principles and practice of equal opportunities issues in accordance with the company policies and to work positively towards anti-discriminatory and anti-racist practice.
20. To work within the provisions of the Data Protection Act, observing strict confidentiality in relation to all aspects of work undertaken.
21. To maintain CORU registration.
22. Travel to meetings etc is required therefore the post holder must hold a full driving licence.

Key Criteria:

• Must have a professional qualification in social work i.e., CQSW, Masters in Social Work or equivalent qualification validated in the Republic of Ireland.
• Must be registered with CORU.
• Must have valid Garda Clearance.
• Must have valid Overseas Clearance if applicant lived abroad for more than 6 months.
• Must have at least 2 years’ experience, previous experience in the foster care field is desirable but not mandatory.
• Must have a clean driver’s license and use of a car.
• Must have secure space in home to store confidential files and information.
• Must have personal indemnity (insurance for set up as independent social worker – assistance will be provided)
• Must be self-motivated and have ability to work flexibly.

To apply:

Please submit a CV to Office Manager, Christine Kavanagh at Christine.kavanagh@orchardfostering.ie by 22nd November 2024. For any informal enquiries about the role please contact Aisling McKenna, Team Leader Assessment, Orchard Fostering at Aisling.mckenna@orchardfostering.ie or 01-6275713.