As part of our ongoing service development, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a 12 month position for an Adoption Social Worker to cover parental leave.
This job description is for the Adoption Social Worker post.
Yorkshire Adoption Agency is currently welcoming applications from qualified, experienced, and ambitious social workers interested in providing an excellent child focused professional social work service to adoptive families, birth families and adopted adults. Some experience of adoption is essential in this post. As the Agency offers Ofsted rated Outstanding services relating to both Domestic and Inter-Country adoption, it is expected that the post holder will develop skills and expertise in both areas of service whilst employed by the Agency.
If you are passionate about making a difference and want to work with an agency that truly cares, we would love to hear from you.
Responsibilities
Responsible to:
The post holder will report to a team manager and will be expected to play a full role in the team, working with and supporting other team members under the direction of the manager.
Benefits of the post
* Salary between £35,884 – £41,322 dependant on experience and subject to agreement.
* 12-month fixed term contract
* A welcoming, collaborative environment where your expertise is valued
* Flexible working involving office based and home working.
* A comfortable working environment with free onsite parking.
* Regular supervision and support.
* A listening service which values the contribution of staff members at all levels.
* Opportunities for professional development including externally commissioned training.
* Auto enrolled into a pension scheme.
* A generous leave allowance.
Requirements
* Social Work England Registration.
* Eligible to work in the UK.
* Full UK licence holder preferable.
* Two satisfactory references.
* Able to work during office hours and flexibly where required.
Key duties
Key duties will include:
Assessment of Prospective Adopters
* To undertake comprehensive and analytical assessments of prospective adopters who wish to adopt a child in the UK or from Overseas.
* To participate in the Agency’s Office Enquiries Duty System when required.
* To present Prospective Adopter Reports (PARs) to the Agency’s Adoption Approval Panel in compliance with Adoption Agencies Regulations.
* To prepare prospective adopters for attending the Agency’s Adoption Approval Panel.
* To join the Agency’s Central List of Adoption Panel members, if required.
Training
* To contribute to the training programme rota which will involve evening work.
Family Finding & Matching (Domestic Adoptions)
* To be fully involved in the Agency’s Family Finding activities.
* To work closely with Local Authorities in the planning and placement of children with YAA approved adopters.
* To prepare prospective adopters for attending Local Authority matching panels.
* To provide support during transition plans.
Inter-Country Tasks
* An opportunity to learn and have experience of supporting Intercountry adopters.
Placement Support
* To fully support adoptive families following the placement of children.
* To attend relevant children’s reviews and adoption planning meetings.
* To provide post adoption support to adoptive families. This will include liaising with Local Authorities in accordance with Adoption Support Regulations and supporting families who need to access the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund.
* To prepare reports of a high quality as are required by the Agency and the Courts.
* Help with the facilitation of support groups for adopters and their families.
Events
* To contribute to attending events, inclusive to family and recruitment events, by being on the rota. This may involve weekend work.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Relevant Social Work qualification (BA/MA Social Work/DipSW) or equivalent
* Professional Registration with Social Work England and eligible to work in the UK.
Experience
* Experience of multi-agency working and presenting cases in formal settings (e.g., panels)
* Experience of working independently and managing own caseload, with support and supervision from the Team Manager as needed.
Skills & Abilities
* Excellent verbal, communication, and interpersonal skills in order to communicate effectively with prospective adopters, children, families and other professionals.
* Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information in line with GDPR and safeguarding requirements.
* Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to make evidence-based recommendations.
* Proven report writing and assessment skills.
* Ability to work effectively to deadlines.
* Computer literate for report and assessment writing
* Able to present reports to a panel in a professional way.
* Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities.
Knowledge
* Understanding of Child Protection & Safeguarding.
Personal Qualities
* Professional credibility
* Commitment to equal opportunities and valuing diversity.
* Ability to work autonomously while maintaining accountability.
* Strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Additional
* Ability to travel to prospective adopters within the Yorkshire and Humber Area and surrounding counties.
* To carry out additional duties as required in support of the Agency’s services. These tasks will be determined by the CEO and will not significantly alter the core responsibilities or terms and conditions of the role.
* A commitment to ongoing training and professional development, ensuring knowledge remains current in relation to legislation, policy, and best practice.
* Flexibility to work outside standard office hours when necessary to meet the needs of service users.
Full job description can be found on our website - www.yorkshireadoptionagency.org.uk/vacancies/
Closing date: 5pm on Monday, 25 th May2026
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