Adoption Social Worker - Assessment Team
Permanent, Full Time
£36,101 to £48,622 Per Annum
Location: Colchester
Working Style: Community-based worker
Closing Date: 6th April 2025
This role has a flexible hybrid working arrangement where it is required to visit service users in the wider operational areas and office bases regularly.
In ECC we are “Serious about Social Work”. Having recently won the Best Social Work Employer of the Year Award 2018 and been awarded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted this is an exciting time to join us. We have invested in our workforce and created a positive environment for our social workers to make a difference and achieve change for our most vulnerable children and families through direct relationship-based social work practice.
The Team
This is an exciting opportunity to join an established team of social workers who coordinate, undertake and support the assessment of suitable adoptive households and seek to identify suitable adoptive placements for children whose care plans are one of adoption. The team is based in Colchester; however, the adoption agency covers the county and therefore we support colleagues in our neighbouring quadrant teams when required.
The Role
* To undertake comprehensive and analytical assessments of prospective adopters and present Prospective Adopter Reports (PARs) to the Agency’s Adoption Approval Panel in compliance with Adoption Agencies Regulations.
* To support approved adopters during family finding, transition, and the placement of child(ren) through to the making of an adoption order.
* To prepare reports of a high quality as required by the Agency and the Courts.
* To act as a role model and source of professional expertise in relation to current best practice in adoption.
* To uphold statutory requirements of both adoption and children’s legislation, plus any Departmental requirements.
* To participate in team meetings and attend any other meetings as required, including wider agency/departmental meetings.
* To attend relevant children’s reviews and adoption planning meetings when required.
* To lead and contribute to training courses when required, including Information events, which require occasional Saturday work.
* To ensure both the safety and best interests of children are paramount and that child protection procedures are followed, complying with Safeguarding procedures.
* To maintain an up-to-date record of activity on case files in line with the department case recording policy, produce reports, attend court, and give verbal presentations to the Adoption Panel as required.
* To work effectively with other childcare social workers to ensure that children are placed for adoption with the minimum of delay.
What you’ll need to join our Social Work teams
* A Diploma or Degree in Social Work.
* Registration with Social Work England.
* Demonstrable capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards e.g. Professional Capability Framework (PCF), Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS).
* Experience or a good understanding of working within Children and Family services.
* Open to change and ready to innovate, you will be keen to join an environment where you can stretch yourself professionally, make an impact individually and deliver positive outcomes collaboratively.
* Court experience preferable.
* Analytical report writing skills are essential.
* Understanding the impact of neglect/abuse on children and trauma in children is important.
* Flexible working is required with occasional out of county and weekend work.
The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wide operational area including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond, transporting service users and their belongings and to be able to do so in an emergency. Driving licence and car or ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
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