Martin James Foundation
The Martin James Foundation (MJF) is a global network of charitable and not-for-profit organisations working in alternative care for children and includes independent fostering agencies in Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand (Key Assets), support to foster carers in the UK (FosterTalk), and projects that contribute to the global efforts in deinstitutionalization.
MJF is seeking a subject matter expert in foster care to maintain, expand and disseminate use of practice resources across the Foundation. The Practice Development Coordinator will have an important role in liaising with representatives from the affiliate organisations of the Foundation in order to strengthen the specialist, technical resources for teams working in foster care around the world.
Job Description
The Practice Development Coordinator will be responsible for the following key tasks:
- Update and ongoing management of MJF’s learning resource library
- Facilitate international Community of Practice sessions, encourage active participation and contributions from affiliates and partners and ensure appropriate follow ups
- Collaborate with teams in affiliated organisations to secure and engage in research projects related to specialist areas of expertise
- Collate and disseminate examples of best practice and new initiatives (both internal and external) within the Foundation and across affiliated organisations
- Commit to learning from affiliated teams across the Foundation to contribute to the ongoing development of practice resources
- Contribute to affiliate-led initiatives in developing specialist areas of practice
- In collaboration with the International Programme Manager, support the work of partner organisations on global projects
- Maintain appropriate contact recording when engaging with project partners
- Contribute to monthly practice development reports to the CEO
- Contribute to the quarterly reporting to the Board of Trustees
- Collaborate with Head of Communications and Campaigns on external communications and reports and seek guidance and sign off where necessary
- Maintain regular communications with partners to build professional relationships and support their work
- All MJF staff must abide by all relevant policies including safeguarding, information governance, confidentiality and data protection and undertake mandatory training
This is a hybrid role with an expected 1 or 2 days per week in our Birmingham office, and other days working from home. Your hours will generally be 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday, however as many of the colleagues you will be working with are in different time zones, some early/late meetings may sometimes be required. We are keen to support flexible working patterns and are open to discussing alternative arrangements. Some travel may be expected as part of this role.
Knowledge and Experience
| PERSON SPECIFICATION | Essential/Desirable |
| A degree (or DipSW) in Social Work or other relevant subject | E |
| Minimum of 5 years experience of fostering services | E |
| Knowledge of international laws and guidelines related to the care of children | D |
| Experience of designing and delivering training materials | D |
| Working knowledge of safeguarding practice | E |
| An understanding of the needs of children and young people living in alternative care | E |
| Demonstrable understanding and awareness of cultural and contextual diversity | E |
| Experience of working in a multi-agency setting | E |
| Lived experience of alternative care would be highly welcomed | D |
Skills and Abilities
| PERSON SPECIFICATION | Essential/Desirable |
| To work in the best interests of children and young people at all times | E |
| Excellent stakeholder and internal communication skills | E |
| Utilise research and evidence-based learning to inform best practice across the Foundation | E |
| Strong verbal and written communication skills | E |
| Able to problem solve independently | E |
| Able to work at pace, and adapt to different situations and when needed | E |
| Strong organisational skills including attention to detail and multi-tasking skills | E |
| Able to evidence practical application of the use of IT | E |
Other requirements
| PERSON SPECIFICATION | Essential/Desirable |
| An enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) certificate | D |
| Commitment to anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice | E |
| Commitment to child participation | E |
| Commitment to learning and development | E |