Training & Development Officer

Identify the training and development needs of Foster carers and Supported Lodgings hosts through regular consultation with the carers, trainers, internal departments and agencies. Commission suitable and appropriate training within the budget. Maintain accurate information regarding training commissioned and related invoice progression. Consider creative ways to encourage carers to engage and access training to develop their skills, including 1 to 1 support, locality group meetings and home visits where required. Support Foster carers and Supported Lodgings hosts access to all training platforms. Work closely with Thrive colleagues in Learning & Development. Monitor the quality and effectiveness of training packages and produce the annual training program. Maintain accurate electronic records of training and ensure training activity is recorded on mosaic, and provide data for the annual report. Complete actions within timescales, problem-solving, and liaising with management, social workers, carers to ensure efficient and timely delivery of project objectives. Participate in meetings with staff and other professionals to respond appropriately and flexibly to national, regional and local drivers that meet the needs of vulnerable children, young people and families.

As this is a part-time role, you will work alongside a colleague to develop and deliver a high-quality training programme for Foster Carers and Supported Lodgings Hosts, ensuring it meets identified needs while remaining within budget constraints. Providing training to foster carers is a statutory requirement for all fostering agencies. The quality and effectiveness of this training have a direct impact on the skills, knowledge and confidence of foster carers, enabling them to provide the best possible support to children in care. We are looking for a highly motivated individual who can work independently, manage their own workload effectively, and contribute positively as part of a team. You will work closely with colleagues across the Fostering Service to ensure training provision is engaging, relevant and responsive to the needs of our carers and the children they support.,

• Have an NVQ level 3 in Childcare Diploma or Childcare Qualification, or evidence of continuing professional development.
• Have experience of working directly with challenging children and young people, as well as vulnerable young people in at least one of the following settings: social care, education, youth offending or health.
• Have knowledge of child development and an awareness of differing needs of children and young people and their carers, knowledge of other cultures, and have an understanding of the risk factors and prevention work that impacts upon children's attachment, and presenting behaviours.
• Have an understanding of the impact of trauma upon child development, behaviour and ability to build trusting relationships.
• Have good time management skills, organisational and planning skills, assessment skills, IT skills, and a good standard of case recording and report writing skills.
• The ability to communicate confidently and respectfully with children, young people and carers and build trusting relationships; adapt to changing requirements and manage challenging situations; observe and analyse behaviour and identify solutions; work effectively independently and as part of a team and with other agencies; contribute to multidisciplinary meetings and information sharing; maintain accurate electronic and written records; and work within the Signs of Safety framework.
• The ability be accountable for allocated casework and undertake administrative tasks, maintaining effective recording systems and responding to queries.
You must have a current driving licence, access to a car, and be able to travel to designated locations. In addition, we also expect you to share and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a . Interested in Flexible Working? We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.

About Leicestershire County Council At Leicestershire County Council, we're committed to making a real difference in people's lives. Our aim is to work with communities and partners to deliver public services that make Leicestershire the best possible place to live and work for everyone. Our employees play a key role in supporting this goal and helping us deliver the vital services we provide to the people of Leicestershire. Whether you're starting your career or looking for your next challenge, you'll find a place with us where your ideas are valued, and your work has purpose. For further information on what it's like to work for us and the benefits we offer, please refer to the following