Social Worker - Keeping in Touch Team ATV - Fixed Term Contract
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the continued development of Adopt Thames Valley (ATV) Regional Adoption Agency. ATV launched in December 2017 and is the shared Adoption Service for Bracknell Forest, Oxfordshire, Reading Borough Council (Brighter Futures for Children), The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead (Achieving for Children), Swindon Borough Council, West Berkshire Borough Council and Wokingham Borough Council. The Regional Adoption Agency is hosted by Oxfordshire County Council and so your contract and work conditions will sit within Oxfordshire County Council.
Main duties of the job
The Permanence Support Team is a specialist team providing post‑order support to adopters, Special Guardians, and their children, adults affected by adoption, and to birth families. The team is very friendly and supportive, as well as being hard‑working and very committed to adoption work. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in adoption and permanence to further their career and specialism. You will be joining a supportive team of aspirational, creative and committed Social Workers who strive to provide the best possible outcomes for adopted and Special Guardianship children. This role will be specifically within the Keeping in Touch area of the service and will be managing and supporting contact between adopted children and their birth families.
* To ensure the highest standards of service are provided.
* To ensure that services to users are delivered and developed according to Adopt Thames Valley policies, procedures and guidance.
* To ensure that services are planned and delivered in a way that maximises participation and reflects Children’s Rights in relation to services being provided and in the way that Children, Young People and Families are worked with.
* To assess and supervise contact between adopted children and their birth family.
* To support and advise on post‑adoption contact.
* This post holder is responsible for ensuring that Safeguarding and Child Protection policies are adhered to and concerns are raised in accordance with these policies.
About us
Are you a passionate, qualified Social Worker with experience of adoption and working with families? Are you interested in different ways of working in this field?
We are ideally seeking a Social Worker with at least three years post‑qualifying experience in adoption and with relevant work settings, such as within Children’s Services or Family Placement, and who has excellent assessment, analytical and report writing skills. Experience of the complexities of contact is beneficial.
The applicant will need to demonstrate that they have a good understanding of the needs of adoptive families, and that they are keen to develop their knowledge and skills further. The successful applicant also needs to be computer literate.
Rewards and benefits
* Vivup benefits platform
* Vivup highfive recognition platform
* Cycle scheme (for eco‑conscious commuters)
* Electric vehicle lease scheme
* Discounts at local retailers
* Salary finance options
* Up to 33 days of annual leave (including bank holidays)
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 is 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, 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 issues with the application system, please contact: rachel.willis@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Person Specification
* Please refer to job description above
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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