Adoption Social Worker (or Senior)

CCS Adoption is a Voluntary Adoption Agency and registered charity. Continuously Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted (for over 12 years), we find permanent, loving homes for children who are waiting to be adopted. We also offer a wide range of post-adoption support services for adoptive families in the region through The Centre for Adoption Support. We are committed to maintaining this high level of performance and developing further the innovative services we provide for children and adoptive families.

An exciting opportunity for an Adoption Social Worker to join our Social Work service. The post is based in our Bristol office (including working at home opportunities through our Hybrid Working Policy) covering Wiltshire, Somerset, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, Bath, Bristol, Swindon and South Wales.

The post holder will ideally be 3 years qualified Social Worker preferably with adoption experience, who will be undertaking adoption assessment and making and supporting placements as well as contributing to all aspects of the  Agency’s adoption service. This will include recruitment activities, family finding, Post adoption Support, assisting on training. Opportunity for creativity and innovative practice is encouraged and welcomed. The successful applicant may be offered the position as an adoption social worker, senior social worker (see different JD and per specs available) depending on their skills and experience. 
 

Key Tasks:

1. To recruit, prepare and undertake robust and analytical adoption assessments. These tasks will include: attendance at Introduction days and information events, Stage 1 and 2 assessments and providing some aspect of training to prospective adopters.

2. To facilitate the linking and matching of children with adoptive families both regionally and nationally. The children will primarily be in the care of Local Authorities and subject to child care plans promoting permanency through substitute family care. The work in matching will therefore require skills in negotiating and planning inter-agency agreements and adoption support assessments and work collaboratively with the Local Authorities and the RAA’s.

3. Being responsible for Post Adoption Support Cases, completing assessments of need, providing professional advice and signposting.

4. Co/Facilitating groups, training and workshops through The Centre and CCS as necessary, they will be regarding adoption and other forms of permanence.

5. Presentation of Prospective Adopter’s Report (PAR) to Adoption Panel.

6. Complete other assessments as required, such as step parent assessments, intercountry adoption assessments and connected persons/SGO assessments.

7. Participate in planning meetings and assist in defining clear goals and plans for children in line with adoption legislation.

8. To keep accurate written records of case work and maintain confidentiality at all times.

9. To advise, support and supervise placements as required, including Early Permanence placements and Foster to Adoption.

10. To undertake some tracing and intermediary work for adopted adults wishing to seek information from their birth records.

11. To attend Team Meetings and reflective peer sessions and contribute to all aspects of the Team’s learning and development of good practice.

12. To share in the responsibility for liaison with other Adoption agencies and relevant professional practice groups.

13. To participate in training and continuous professional development in order to maintain a detailed understanding of current childcare and adoption legislation and practice.

14. To play a part in communicating the work of the Agency’s role in the wider community.

15. To undertake further duties at the request of the Head of Adoption.

The Job Description reflects the major tasks to be carried out by the post holder but in the interests of effective working, those tasks may be reviewed from time to time, reflecting the changing needs and circumstances. Such reviews and any consequential changes will be carried out in consultation with the post holder.

All social workers are required to uphold the “Standards of Proficiency” as described by Social Work England.