Adoption Social Worker

About the job

Key information

The opportunity has arisen for permanent enthusiastic, motivated and experienced Social Worker to join Adopt South West. Adopt South West is the Regional Adoption Agency providing adoption services for the five local authorities of, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset, Torbay and Cornwall councils. Devon County Council are the host Local Authority for the agency. Adopt South West have offices based across the region.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

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 and an ability to support and guide other professionals in adoption matters.

You will play a key role in family finding and adopter assessments, supporting approved adopters and carrying out children’s family finding, ensuring that children achieve permanence at the earliest opportunity. You will need good assessment writing skills and experience.

As part of the role, you will work regionally across the five local authorities, however, at times you can be required to travel across the country as needed.

Office base will be considered at the time of appointment, with an expectation of both office and home based working.

You will demonstrate an up-to-date knowledge of social work practice in relation to permanence and understand the needs of adoptive families and children. Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage and prioritise your own workload and work independently at times is essential, as well as being able to work as part of regional teams.

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.

Supporting documents and information

Should you wish to speak to anyone about this role please contact either Nicki.Taylor@devon.gov.uk or Helen.Atkinson@devon.gov.uk.

How to apply

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Apply on the Devon County Council website

Apply now