Head of Fostering & Adoption

Transcription

1 Job Title: Head of Fostering & Adoption Job Grade: Band 9 Directorate: Job Reference Number: Schools, Children and Families P00739 The Role To lead the development of the council s strategy for the Fostering & Adoption Service within the School s Children & Family directorate and to set the short, medium and long term strategic direction for the service, whilst responding to legislation, policy and practice initiatives generated within ECC and by external agencies. To develop and implement in conjunction with key partners, through the Children s trust approach, joint strategy and policy development to secure improved outcomes for the delivery of a safe and quality service to all children and young people. To promote the welfare of children, to ensure that children looked after receive high quality services to meet identified need. Job Purpose This role is a key Member of the Senior Management Team for Vulnerable Children and Young People. This individual will lead the development and implementation of the authority s strategic approach to Fostering & Adoption, both in the medium and long term and will co-ordinate this approach with partners. They will ensure that the strategies, policies and procedures are in place to ensure improved service delivery to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people in line with the CYPP and the five Every Child Matters outcomes. Key Accountabilities To lead the strategic development of the Fostering & Adoption Services, including shared care, and private fostering within the centrally managed and centrally delivered services. To provide strategic and operational leadership and management of the Children s Social Care Services

2 Ensure that Key performance indicators and national standards in respect of Fostering and Adoption are achieved and outcomes continually developed To manage resources to ensure that the service provides value for money interventions that enable the delivery of a needs-led, child and family focussed, comprehensive service to children, young people and their families in the county Provide advice, guidance and support to elected Members, the Director of Schools Children and Families and Senior Managers across ECC on matters relating to the full range of Fostering and Adoption Services, the development and strategic direction of the service, cross-cutting policy issues, and the potential impact of new and proposed legislation Lead partnership working and the development of cross Directorate strategies in the areas of Fostering and Adoption behalf of the SCF Directorate to ensure a coherent and consistent approach to service development Ensuring that members are fully aware of and briefed on their responsibilities in regards to the Fostering & Adoption service To develop the operational planning and service delivery through engagement of the Director of Vulnerable Children & Young People that will meet the Council s corporate priorities and objectives for Fostering and Adoption Services generally. Undertake the duties of the Adoption Agency Decision Maker to make decisions about whether the Council should recommend adoption Assume the Registered Provider CSCI responsibilities for service provision within Fostering and Adoption and be responsible for ensuring that CSCI standards are achieved and maintained accordingly Lead and co-ordinate the development of policies and strategies in promoting close links within the county in the provision, use and development of facilities and resources within the Adoption and Fostering Service. To work closely with partner agencies, and take the ECC lead, in ensuring the development and implementation of joint approaches to meeting the needs of children requiring acute or complex social care services are met to deliver better and improved life chances in Essex Commission services for Adoption and Fostering provision to children/young people and their families within the context of Essex Schools Children & Families Services, working in conjunction with the Commissioning Team. To ensure that the

3 Joint Commissioning strategy across Children s Services reflects the needs of the Children & Young people in Essex Identify clear, precise objectives that will enable the achievement of service aims, set realistic targets as performance criteria and identify service efficiency/effectiveness standards. Draw up service and business plans, monitor and review, managing changes required within the scope of the plans, specifying any required changes. Participate actively in corporate working groups bringing individual expertise and a commitment to work with other services to achieve targets set within the Council s Performance Plan. Encourage participation of service users in assessment, planning, decision making and review of services proved to them and that they are able to make informed choices. To be accountable for the Service to Council s Committees/ Member Forums, engaging and attending meetings where required To promote and maintain the highest levels of leadership and management by carrying out performance management that ensures accountability and responsibility are delegated to encourage commitment and enhance job satisfaction Management of budgets, staff and resources for the Fostering and Adoption Service in accordance with the Council s agreed policies, priorities and financial regulations Manage the development and implementation of learning and development plans that support staff development within the service and ensure that services are fit for purpose, Ensure that a robust succession plan is in place for critical posts with in the Service To promote and support positive working relationships between management, employees and trade unions To represent the council at local and national meetings, seeking opportunities to engage a wider audience in the plans and direction of the service. Be actively involved in the development of national legislation and best practice and ensure that the recommendations and expectations arising from national and local

4 enquires, inspections and individual case reviews are properly implemented to ensure continuous development and improvement in Service delivery Ensure compliance with the Essex SET Safeguarding of Children procedures Knowledge, Skills and Experience DipSW, CQSW, CSS, Social Work degree or equivalent high level degree and/or evidence of CPD Proven track record of successful management experience in a social care environment Significant experience of working in a large complex public or private sector organisation involved in the commissioning and planning of community based children s services Experience of designing, developing and managing budgets that support service delivery within a value for money framework across public, private or voluntary and community sector organisations Experience of delivering successful projects in large organisations Excellent understanding of strategic change and implementation related programmes Able to develop and implement high-level, effective plans, strategies and projects. A recent proven track record of demonstrably improving outcomes for children. Evidence of ability to work at a strategic level and resolve complex business problems, as well as making critical decisions on behalf of the Children s Services. Experience of operating sensitively within a political environment Financial and budgetary skills Excellent written and oral communication skills High level negotiation skills Ability to prioritise

5 Values and Behaviours Passionate about achieving results Sets challenging but achievable targets Demands high performance of self and colleagues, working positively and effectively Takes calculated risks consistent with Council values to achieve goals Challenges and confronts conflict, brokering solutions in order to achieve Council goals. Responsive to customer s needs Works collaboratively and builds relationships with customers to establish the key issues and anticipate requirements Develops methods of empowering customers to enable choice and influence service improvements Acts as a customer champion across the Council and with partner organisations. Inspirational and bold in thinking and solutions Looks to the future, is able to see links and opportunities that others might miss Identifies, leads and manages change which furthers the long-term goals and vision of the Council Uses new approaches, theory and technologies to develop innovative service solutions Applies concepts and learning from outside own field/environment, looking ahead over the long-term to deliver improvements and avoid problems. Supportive of others input and perspectives working as one Acts as a champion and role model living the Council values, putting the Council s needs first and upholding goals and decisions, even when it is difficult to do so Identifies and develops cross-functional working and long-term partnerships to enable the Council to meet its goals Supports others to work together to develop solutions, avoiding blaming others when things go wrong. Motivating others and trusting them to deliver Creates and communicates a compelling, consistent vision that generates excitement and commitment at all levels of the Council Celebrates and promotes service, Council and partnership successes, acting as an advocate for Essex Models and promotes an open, supportive culture walks the talk Empowers others through coaching or development activities.

6 Safeguarding Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. Pre-Employment Checks appropriate to this Job Profile Essex County Council (ECC) is committed to ensuring all recruitment is undertaken fairly, effectively, safely and in accordance with legislation. The information below provides pre-employment screening guidance for candidates applying to this job at Essex County Council. Role Requirement: Working in a adoption/fostering service Pre-Employment Check Self Declaration (Spent and unspent convictions) CRB Enhanced (renewed every three years) ISA Registration Regulated (from July 2010) References Definition A declaration of spent and unspent convictions must be completed by employees who work with vulnerable adults or children The CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check will be sought by ECC before a start date is agreed ECC will administer the ISA Register check All posts defined as Regulated or Controlled as outlined in the ISA Regulations will require: At least two employer references one reference is required prior to interview and should ideally be from your current/most recent employer Reference history covering a minimum of five years employment A reference from the last employer where the post gave access to children or vulnerable adults Any gaps of 4 weeks or more will be explored by the manager at interview stage. Where

7 appropriate additional character references will be taken up Medical Eligibility / Right to work in the UK Regulatory qualifications and professional registration (subject to role) SWIFT/Protocol All new recruits and employees whose role changes significantly are required to complete a medical health questionnaire Proof is required and original documentation will be sought i.e. passport or full birth certificate Original qualification certificates and proof of registration with a professional body are required (if applicable) A check against the individuals name on the Social Care electronic database will be administered