Panel Advisor

Job Introduction

Empowering change - children’s services 

Together, we’re the moment makers

Please note: The closing date for this role has been brought forward to 28th February. We look forward to receiving your application.

In our Children, Education, & Families directorate, we’re committed to delivering lasting change, by helping the children, young people, and families of Oxfordshire to thrive. We know the importance of building relationships, empowering people, and building on strengths and this is reflected in our restorative, relational practice approach.

We’ve been consistently rated as “good” by Ofsted, but we are not content with that; we are ambitious and want to do even better!  

We’re a financially stable local authority which is committed to investing in Children, Education, and Families, to ensure that we have the resources we need to make a real difference to the families we work with – including successful operation of our transformational model Family Solutions Plus (FSP). 

About Us
Together, we’re the moment makers and we’re focussed on making every day the best it can be for our residents. Whatever you do here, you’ll look around and say, “I make a difference”. Because we’re all creating lasting change to people’s lives in Oxfordshire. Everyday you’ll be challenged in a new way, supported by your team, in an organisation that is free thinking, flexible, and helps people achieve their ambitions. We’re not afraid to do things differently and our dynamic culture means this is a place where new ideas are embraced, and innovation thrives.

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people? Oxfordshire Fostering Service, an established and reputable service, is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team. We specialise in both kinship and mainstream foster care, ensuring that every child receives the best possible support and care.

At Oxfordshire Fostering Service, we pride ourselves on our commitment to best practices and continuous development. We value diversity and strive to create a supportive environment for all our foster carers. If you are looking to be part of a team that values your contribution and supports your growth, we would love to hear from you.

About the Role 

To ensure statutory requirements are met under the Fostering Services Regulations and NMS 2011 by offering professional advice to the fostering Panels. To advise, consult and contribute to training and policy development.

The primary role of the Agency Advisor is to provide professional advice to the panels and agency and ensure that high quality fostering services are provided by Oxfordshire County Council in compliance with the Fostering Regulations and NMS.
 

About you

You’re free-thinking and brave, and that sets you apart. You’ll be supportive and energised; you don’t accept the norm if it can be done better - finding answers through exploration and courage. Just as importantly, you will embody our values in everything you do. 

We are looking for individuals who excel in time management and possess strong communication skills. You should be adept at relationship-based practice and able to work autonomously. Your ability to collaborate effectively with partner agencies and children's services is crucial. Additionally, we value proactive individuals who contribute to the development of our panel and the fostering service. 

Fundamentally, you’ll be passionate about delivering stand-out public services, because we’re here to make every moment the best it can be for the residents of Oxfordshire. 

Essential Criteria:

• Professional social work qualification and registration
• Evidence of continuous professional development 

Please refer to the job description attached for a full list of selection criteria.

Rewards and benefits

By joining Oxfordshire Fostering Service, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children in Oxfordshire. We are proud of our flexible and agile working culture, which supports a healthy work-life balance.

We offer numerous opportunities for learning and development, ensuring you can grow both personally and professionally. Our generous holiday allowance, local government pension scheme, and a range of local and national retail discounts are just some of the benefits you'll enjoy. 

As a fostering-friendly local authority, we are committed to supporting our foster carers every step of the way.

Some of the benefits you can enjoy includes:

• Technology to support agile working where role permits
• Up to 33 day’s holiday p.a. plus bank holidays  
• Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

Curious to learn more? Contact our friendly team for a confidential and informative chat!

Julie McNally: Service Manager- Fostering - Children's Services
julie.mcnally@oxfordshire.gov.uk 

Our commitment to:
 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk