Social Worker - Adoption Team
About the Job
Salary: £37,938 – £40,476 a year plus £5,500 market supplement and £963 essential car user allowance (subject to criteria)
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
Join our Adoption Team as a Social Worker and make a life‑changing difference in the lives of children and families. We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Social Worker to support our mission of creating safe, loving, and permanent homes for children.
Key Responsibilities
* Recruit, assess, and prepare adoptive parents: conduct interviews, compile reports, and provide expert advice to assist the Panel in making informed decisions.
* Support matching and placement: help approved adopters find the right match, provide support during introductions, placement, and the adoption process, including court representation and training as needed.
* Permanency planning leadership: guide and support child care social workers with decisions and processes related to adoption.
About You
* Extensive Experience: Significant post‑qualifying experience in the social or health care field.
* Strong Decision‑Making Skills: Confidence in making professional judgments in multidisciplinary settings.
* A Solid Understanding of Child Care and Adoption: Knowledge of child care and adoption legislation and the lifelong impact of adoption on adopted people, their families, and birth families.
* Expertise in Communication: Familiarity with theories and techniques for effectively communicating with children.
* In‑Depth Knowledge of Legislation: Comprehensive understanding of statutory responsibilities and quality standards in Adoption Services.
We do ask that you have DipSW, CQSW, or an equivalent recognised professional qualification.
Application Process
Because of the nature of this job, a criminal record disclosure will be undertaken. Applicants must declare all unspent cautions and convictions and any adult cautions. The role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Benefits
* 25–32 days’ annual leave linked to length of service and grade
* Buying annual leave scheme: up to 20 days additional leave
* Career pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
* Pension scheme: generous employer contributions of up to 20.2% (July 2023)
* Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
* Employee Assistance Programme: free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support
* Flexible working options including working from home where possible
* Unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support
* Staff offers: discounts on MOT, gym, restaurants and salons
* Arriva Travel Club: value savings on local bus travel
* Friday Funday Socials: one Friday every two months for staff socials
About Us
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no‑one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.
We are looking for a compassionate, experienced professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about child welfare. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!
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