Social Worker - Adoption Recruitment and Assessment
Location: Aylesbury
At Buckinghamshire Council we have an opportunity for two high-calibre experienced Social Workers in our Recruitment and Assessment Team within our Adoption Service.
The role involves assessing and supporting prospective adopters at the beginning of their Adoption journey through to approval and matching. You will be part of an enthusiastic and experienced team working closely with colleagues across children’s services and in partnership with external agencies. We work collaboratively across the team to support families, providing Family Finding, Recruitment & Assessment of Adopters and Adoption Support Services.
* 1 x 37 hours a week, permanent contract
* 1 x 37 hours a week, 12 month fixed term contract/secondment (maternity cover)
In addition to the salary advertised you will receive a market premium of £2,750 per annum.
About the role
Reporting to an Assistant Team Manager, main responsibilities will include:
* To complete high quality assessments of prospective Adopters in line with statutory guidance/requirements, to analyse how prospective adopters can meet children and young people’s needs, risks and circumstances and confirm existing parenting skills.
* Providing a duty service for members of the public interested in adopting and taking applicants through the 2-stage process of preparation and assessment.
* Completion of the Prospective Adopter Report and presentation to the Adoption Panel, matching and post placement support.
* Deliver information sessions and preparation training for prospective adopters and delivery of ongoing training workshops to adopters.
* Compile reports for the court in respect of non-agency adoption applications.
* To always promote the safety and well-being of children and young people.
* To work collaboratively in partnership with prospective carers and promote a strength-based, relationship-focused model of approach.
* To practice by the agreed performance and quality best practice standards and take appropriate remedial action to address audit feedback and management recommendations as required.
* To prepare for regular, reflective supervision and annual performance appraisal and progress agreed priorities and actions promptly.
For a full list of responsibilities please see attached job description.
We would like to hear from Social Workers who:
* Have a social work qualification.
* Have an active SWE registration.
* Have a working knowledge of legislation and guidance which applies to adoption work.
* Have experience in Children’s Services and an understanding of the needs of children who are adopted.
* Have knowledge of research, inquiries and recent studies affecting this sector of service and an ability to monitor its application in practice.
* Have strong written and communication skills.
* Will care enough to go the extra mile.
* Will importantly, share our dedication and passion to improve the lives of children and young people.
Please see attached job description for more information on criteria.
Other information
If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact Clare Talbot, Assistant Team Manager on 01494 586384 or Carole Atkins, Team Manager on 01494 586404.
Closing date: Midnight on Thursday 24th April
Interviews: To be held on Tuesday 6th May.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.
Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:
* All unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
* All spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020 and 2023).
We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.
By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:
* a fair and inclusive culture.
* the chance to really make a difference to those around you.
* health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops.
* a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group.
* ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us.
* opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events.
At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.
From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.
We recognise and reward you
Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements.
We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 22.6%.
Social Workers are also entitled to a generous enhanced reward package, as follows:
* Competitive salary with a market increment.
* A ‘Golden Hello’ lump sum payment upon successful completion of probation.
* Annual leave up to 30 days per year, as well as other types of leave and the opportunity to buy further leave.
* Up to 15 days per year training, learning and development offer.
* Free parking across all of our office sites.
If you are interested in relocating to Buckinghamshire and working with us, relocation packages are also available.
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