Adoption Social Worker 12month post for parental leave cover
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 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.
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.
What we offer:
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.
• Clear DBS check.
• Two satisfactory references.
• Able to work during office hours and flexibly where required.
Key duties will include
| AssessmentofProspectiveAdopters | To undertake comprehensive and analytical assessments of prospectiveadopters who wish to adopt a child in the UK or from Overseas. |
| To participate in the Agency's Ofice Enquiries Duty System whenrequired. | |
| To present Prospective Adopter Reports (PARs) to the Agency'sAdoption Approval Panel in compliance with Adoption AgenciesRegulations. | |
| To prepare prospective adopters for attending the Agency's AdoptionApproval 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 eveningwork. |
| FamilyFinding ＆Matching(DomesticAdoptions) | To be fully involved in the Agency's Family Finding activities. |
| To work closely with Local Authorities in the planning and placement ofchildren with YAA approved adopters. | |
| To prepare prospective adopters for attending Local Authority matchingpanels. | |
| To provide support during transition plans. | |
| Inter-CountryTasks | An opportunity to learn and have experience of supporting Intercountryadopters. |
| PlacementSupport | 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 includeliaising with Local Authorities in accordance with Adoption SupportRegulations and supporting families who need to access the Adoptionand Special Guardianship Support Fund. | |
| To prepare reports of a high quality as are required by the Agency andthe Courts. | |
| Help with the facilitation of support groups for adopters and their families. | |
| Events | To contribute to attending events, inclusive to family and recruitmentevents, by being on the rota. This may involve weekend work. |
Person Specification
| Qualifications | |
| Relevant Social Work qualification (BA/MA Social Work/DipSW) orequivalent | Essential |
| Professional Registration with Social Work England and eligible towork in the UK. | Essential |
| Experience | |
| A minimum of 3 years' experience working with children and familiesas a Qualified Social Worker, preferably within an adoption service | Desirable |
| Experience of undertaking Prospective Adopter reports or other similarassessments. | Desirable |
| Experience of multi-agency working and presenting cases in formalsettings (e.g., panels) | Essential |
| Experience of working independently and managing own caseload,with support and supervision from the Team Manager as needed. | Essential |
| Skills & Abilities | |
| Excellent verbal, communication, and interpersonal skills in order tocommunicate effectively with prospective adopters, children, familiesand other professionals. | Essential |
| To work as part of the social work team, attend monthly TeamMeetings and contribute to the development and success of theAgency. | Desirable |
| Contribute to ensuring a positive, high profile for YAA in its dealingswith the general public, prospective and approved adopters. | Desirable |
| Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information in line withGDPR and safeguarding requirements. | Essential |
| Strong analytical and critical thinking skils to make evidence-basedrecommendations. | Essential |
| Proven report writing and assessment skills. | Essential |
| Ability to work effectively to deadlines. | Essential |
| Computer literate for report and assessment writing | Essential |
| Able to present reports to a panel in a professional way. | Essential |
| Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities. | Essential |
| Knowledge | |
| Good understanding of the process required to become an adopter. | Desirable |
| Full working knowledge of current statutory and regulatory guidelinesgoverning the operation of adoption, services for children and youngpeople and of child-care legislation. | Desirable |
| Understanding of Child Protection & Safeguarding. | Essential |
| Understanding of the impact of trauma, loss, and separation onchildren and adopters. | Essential |
| Knowledge of therapeutic parenting approaches and support servicesavailable to adopters. | Essential |
| Awareness of diversity and cultural considerations in adoption. | Desirable |
| Personal Qualities | |
| Professional credibility | Essential |
| Commitment to equal opportunities and valuing diversity. | Essential |
| Ability to work autonomously while maintaining accountability. | Essential |
| Strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare ofchildren. | Essential |
| Additional | |
| Ability to travel to prospective adopters within the Yorkshire andHumber Area and surrounding counties. | Essential |
| To carry out additional duties as required in support of the Agency'sservices. These tasks will be determined by the CEO and will notsignificantly alter the core responsibilities or terms and conditions ofthe role. | Essential |
| A commitment to ongoing training and professional development,ensuring knowledge remains current in' relation to legislation, policy,and best practice. | Essential |
| Flexibility to work outside standard office hours when necessary tomeet the needs of service users. | Essential |