Independent Form F Assessor

About us At Hillingdon we’re proud of our commitment of ‘Putting our residents first’, ensuring they’re at the heart of everything we do We want to attract talented individuals like yourself who share our aspirations for the borough and can support us to deliver exceptional services for Hillingdon. With an ambitious strategy we pride ourselves on delivering services that improve the lives of all our residents, businesses, and partners. Embarking on a journey of continuous improvement, we’ve set an agenda to ensure the provision of; safer communities, a thriving local economy, a greener more sustainable environment, whilst increasing our digital capabilities. Working at London’s second largest borough can be tough, particularly with government reforms, budget restrictions, and political attention – but it’s enough to keep us busy and ensures no two days are the same Embark on a rewarding career in Children Social Care with us, where excellence is not just a goal but a proven standard. We are proud to announce that our Children's Services have recently received an outstanding rating from OFSTED, a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care and support for children and families. What does an Independent Form F Assessor do at Hillingdon? We are currently seeking experienced and dedicated Independent Form F Assessors to join our Children’s Social Care Fostering Team. This role offers a flexible working arrangement, with a competitive compensation of £2,500 per completed assessment under the fostering services of London Borough of Hillingdon. About the Role: As an Independent Form F Assessor, you will be responsible for: Conducting detailed home studies of prospective foster carers. Writing high-quality assessment reports for Panel using the BAAF Form F format. Engaging applicants in their own assessments, including home tasks. Ensuring all documentation, including DBS checks and references, is thoroughly verified. Adhering to strict timelines and maintaining open and honest communication with potential foster carers throughout the assessment process. Key Responsibilities: Assess and prepare applicants for the fostering tasks. Book and manage the application process within an 8-month timeline. Produce and present detailed, well-evidenced assessment reports. Work collaboratively with the Fostering Advanced Practitioner – Recruitment and Retention Lead to monitor and discuss progress. Undertake additional checks as required, ensuring all assessments comply with Council’s standards of confidentiality and data protection policies. About you Essential Requirements: Recognised Social Work qualification (CQSW, Dips CSS, or equivalent). Current registration with Social Work England. Proven experience in Fostering and conducting Form F assessments. Excellent assessment, communication, and report writing skills. Strong IT and time management skills. Flexibility to conduct home visits occasionally outside standard office hours. Why Join Us? Hillingdon Council has recently launched a new fostering offer, making us the highest paying Local Authority (LA) or Independent Fostering Agency (IFA) in London. With an increasing demand for Form F assessments and our 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating, this is an ideal opportunity for social work professionals seeking to impact lives and enjoy a flexible work arrangement. Join us in making a significant impact in the lives of children and families in need while enjoying the flexibility and rewards of a competitive pay structure. We look forward to your application. What we offer We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide: Work Life Balance Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life. 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff. Generous Holiday Entitlement – You will receive a minimum of 26 days annual leave each year, in addition to bank holidays. This entitlement increases to a maximum 37 days after 10 years of service. Health & Wellbeing Hillingdon Sport Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough. Cycle Purchase Scheme – Promote eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. Discount on Golf Fees – Enjoy up to 30% discounts on green fees at council owned golf courses. Financial Benefits – Secure your future with access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits. Eye Care – We contribute towards eye tests and lenses for Display Screen Equipment Mental Health Support – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Support and Counselling Services – Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family. Commute with Ease Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre. Equity, Diversity and Equality Statement At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences of all individuals, and we believe that our workforce should reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities. We recognise the value of a diverse workforce and encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented groups. Join us in building a workplace where diversity is not only embraced but also celebrated, and where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our organisation's success. Additional Information We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Applicants should be aware that the post will only be offered to successful candidates subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances.  Due to an expected high volume of applications, we could close this role early, we therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.