Adoption Social Worker, Adoption Team
Grade/Salary: Grade 7/8 (SCP 26-36) £37,280 - £47,181 per annum plus an Essential Car User Allowance of £1239 and 2 % Recruitment and Retention Allowance paid monthly.
Permanent / Full Time
Location: Sandhill
Closing date: 25 January 2026
Interview date: 4 February 2026
Join our Team
Together for Children Sunderland is on a transformative journey to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in Sunderland. We are an outstanding Ofsted‑rated Children’s service. If you’re committed to helping children, families and our community thrive and have the skills to support our mission, we would love to hear from you. Learn more about us here: Together for Children.
About the Role
We are seeking a committed and compassionate Adoption Social Worker to join our dedicated team. You will play a vital role in supporting children, adoptive families and prospective adopters through every stage of the adoption journey, helping to secure safe, loving, and permanent homes for children.
This is an opportunity to make a lasting difference by working in a child‑centred, trauma‑informed, and supportive environment. You will undertake assessments of prospective adopters in line with statutory requirements and prepare high-quality reports for panel and court. You will also support children and families through matching, placement and post‑adoption support. The role involves working collaboratively with colleagues, partner agencies and professionals. You will maintain accurate, timely and reflective case recordings. You will participate in adoption panels, training and development activities linked to the role. You will be a motivated and empathetic social worker with a strong commitment to achieving the best outcomes for children.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
We want you to apply if you:
* Qualified Social Worker (Degree / DipSW / equivalent)
* Registered with Social Work England (or relevant body)
* Experience in adoption, fostering or children and families’ social work
* Strong assessment, report writing and communication skills
* Ability to manage a caseload effectively and work independently
Please contact Michelle Ash 01915612221 for an informal discussion.
Why work with us?
Make a difference: Our work matters. The work we do is incredibly rewarding. Join us and make a difference in the lives of our children, families and community.
Inclusion: Thrive in our diverse and inclusive culture and be part of our employee networks, including Accessibility, LGBTQ+, Racial Equality, Armed Forces and Menopause.
Work‑Life Balance: We offer a hybrid model of working with agile and flexible arrangements, including part‑time opportunities, flexible hours and the possibility of remote work arrangements.
Professional Development: Advance your career with our comprehensive induction, supervision, peer support and supportive environment.
Be part of a happier, healthier workforce: Benefit from our wide range of wellbeing activities and employee assistance programmes.
Attractive Salary, Benefits and Rewards: for additional information please follow this link Together for Children Benefits and rewards
What our team think: About Us
We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to various ages, disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, beliefs, races and ethnicities. We aim for our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
We are committed to making our application process accessible to everyone. Please reach out to our EDI Lead EDI@togetherforchildren.org.uk or peoplesupport@togetherforchildren.org.uk so we can discuss any adjustments or support we can provide during the recruitment process or within the workplace.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked‑after young person, are care experienced or are a veteran.
Are you ready to make a difference?
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