About the job

Key information

An opportunity has arisen for permanent 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 Post will predominately be covering the Exeter, South Devon, Torbay, Plymouth and East Cornwall.

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 undertaking prospective adopter assessments, supporting approved adopters and carrying out children’s family finding, ensuring that children achieve permanence at the earliest opportunity.

What will I be doing?

Responsibilities will include

• Undertaking Prospective Adopter Report assessments to deadlines
• Undertake work with a wide range of professionals and agencies both locally and nationally to identify suitable adoptive families.
• Supporting Approved Adopters through linking and matching
• Providing early placement support until the Adoption Order is made
• Delivering training and workshops.
• Complying with adoption legislation, statutory and best practice guidance, national minimum standards and departmental policies.
• Maintaining accurate case records

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

You will be a social worker registered with Social Work England who will have:

• Post-qualifying experience in a statutory children’s social work team, preferably with experience of adoption work
• A proven track record of excellent practice that improves the lives of children
• High-level written and verbal communication skills to build effective professional relationships with families
• Strong interpersonal skills to successfully liaise with other authorities and adoption agencies across the UK
• 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
• The skills to undertake assessments and to use evidence-based practice tools to devise, implement and review plans

What is in it for me?

Adopt South West are committed to your professional development. We are a DDP informed agency and offer training opportunities including in Theraplay and DDP.

Please note, flexible working hours, travelling and some working out of the Adopt South West region may be required.

What we can offer you

Working for Devon County Council has all the benefits that you can expect from a large employer. In return for the vital contribution that you make, we offer:

• 26 days annual leave per year (rising with length of service) plus Bank Holidays effective from 1 April 2024
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme – more information can be found on the Peninsula Pensions website
• Access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme – available 24/7 to support you with personal and work life
• Flexible working opportunities, including home-working (subject to the needs of the role)
• Discounts from local and high street retailers through the Devon Discounts scheme

DBS check

This position will be subject to an enhanced criminal record disclosure check.

Supporting documents and information

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 (e.g., from home/other locations).

For an informal discussion please contact the Adoption Team Managers or Alison Barker at alison.barker@devon.gov.uk or Jim Fitton at jim.fitton@devon.gov.uk

Closing Date: 23 March 2025

Interviews: On Tuesday 1 April 2025 in person. [Venue TBC]

Apply on the Devon County Council website

Apply now