Adoption Assessment Social Worker (Fixed Term 12 Month Maternity Cover)
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Social Worker who is passionate about achieving best outcomes in adoption to join Adopt South West Regional Adoption Agency. Adopt South West is the Regional Adoption Agency providing adoption services for the five local authorities of, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset, Torbay and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly councils. Devon County Council is the host Local Authority for the agency.
Adopt South West have offices based across the region.
This role will predominately be covering the Cornwall and Devon. The post will be 4 days a week hours) providing 12 months maternity cover from August 2026. We can be flexible on the working days.
We are looking for a ‘person centred’ and self-motivated professional to join us, within the Recruitment Assessment and Family Finding Service (RAFF). You will have a range of experience working with children and families including safeguarding and permanence planning, and ideally an understanding of adoption. You will have experience of multi-agency working and presenting in meetings or to groups. You will need a child centred approach and an understanding of the needs of children who have left their birth families as a result of abuse or neglect. Knowledge about the impact of early trauma and its manifestations is essential, as well as an ability to work with a wide variety of individuals- foster carers, adopters, social workers and other professionals, both locally and nationally.
You will play a key role in predominately working with prospective adopters who are considering adopting and those who progress into Stage One of process. In addition you could be undertaking prospective adopter assessments, supporting approved adopters and ensuring that children achieve permanence at the earliest opportunity.
About you
You will be a social worker registered with Social Work England who will have:
1. Post-qualifying experience in a statutory children’s social work team, preferably with experience of adoption work
2. A proven track record of excellent practice that improves the lives of children
3. High-level written and verbal communication skills to build effective professional relationships with families
4. Strong interpersonal skills to successfully liaise with other authorities and adoption agencies across the UK
5. Knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models and theories relevant to children’s social work and adoption, and the ability to evidence how you have applied your learning to your practice
6. The skills to undertake assessments and to use evidence-based practice tools to devise, implement and review plans
Adopt South West are committed to your professional development.
Please note, flexible working hours, travelling and some working out of the Adopt South West region may be required.
This position will be subject to an enhanced criminal record disclosure check.
The office base for each post will be discussed with the successful candidates. Our evolving ways of working means that the role will require you to also work remotely home/other locations).