Job Description
Adoption Social Worker
* Location: Home Based with essential travel across the North of England
* Job Type: Full-time, permanent
Join our dedicated team as an Adoption Social Worker, where you will play a crucial role in recruiting, training, assessing, and supporting prospective adopters. This position is vital in providing safe, loving, and nurturing families for children in need of permanent homes. You will collaborate with adopters, placing authorities, and other professionals to ensure the highest quality of service and outcomes for children.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities:
* Conduct thorough assessments of prospective adopters and complete detailed assessment reports.
* Participate in multi-agency meetings such as CLA reviews, Placement Planning meetings, and panels.
* Ensure timely recording and maintain excellent communication with all professionals involved in placements.
* Deliver training in both group and individual settings.
* Contribute to the training and assessment of new carers and maintain the office duty system.
* Participate in the Helpline support rota, providing out-of-hours service after a suitable induction period.
Initial Responsibilities:
* Manage all aspects of the adoption process within the Voluntary Adoption Agency, from adopter recruitment to supporting children with their adoptive families.
* Develop and deliver various training programmes for prospective and approved adopters.
* Take an active role in the office duty system and contribute to the growth and development of the service.
Additional Responsibilities:
* Work alongside external agencies to complete non-agency adoption work, including some court attendance.
* Actively participate in the recruitment and family finding processes, including attending events to support families.
* Demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and adaptability due to the evolving nature of adoption.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
* Professional Social Work qualification and SWE registration.
* Experience in Family Placement, Child Protection, or work with Looked After Children.
* Strong communication skills and team-working abilities.
* Understanding of safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures.
* Ability to work to clear timescales and maintain accurate records.
* Full current driving license valid in the UK and access to a car with business use insurance.
Benefits:
* Hybrid working based on trust, flexibility, and empowerment.
* Competitive annual leave entitlement, with the ability to buy additional leave.
* Family-friendly leave options and company-paid Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption leave.
* Service-related sick pay from day 1.
* Access to a Group Personal Pension with matched contributions.
* Discounts and cashback from high street shops, cinemas, gyms, and more.
* Free access to an employee assistance program.
* Opportunity to purchase a health cash plan.
To apply for the Adoption Social Worker position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role.