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- Tasks: Join our team as an Adoption Social Worker, conducting assessments and supporting prospective adopters.
- Company: Staffordshire County Council is a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community welfare and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a supportive environment, and access to various employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Qualified social workers with 3 years' experience and knowledge of adoption legislation are encouraged to apply.
- Other info: This is a 12-month secondment with opportunities for training and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
12-month secondment to an adoption social worker post in the Shropshire & Telford Joint Hub of Together4Children. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time Adoption Social Worker to be seconded for 12 months into Shropshire and Telford's Joint Hub. We are a high performing adoption team that provides adoption services to two Local Authorities, Shropshire Council and Telford and Wrekin Council through the wider Permanency Partnership Together4Children with Stoke-on-Trent Council and Staffordshire Council in line with the Government's Regionalisation of Adoption agenda.
Main Responsibilities
We are seeking to offer a 12 month secondment to an experienced social worker to undertake timely, evidence-based adoption assessments, to provide high-quality support to prospective adopters, and to undertake family finding activities for prospective adopters and children. There is an expectation that the social worker appointed will be involved in the preparation and delivery of training to prospective adopters, foster carers, and social work colleagues in a range of areas related to adoption and permanence.
Whilst there is the opportunity for some home-based working, the Adoption Assessment and Support Team provides a countywide service. You will be required to have a car to be able to travel to various locations across the Together4Children Permanency Partnership Region, as well as to travel across the rest of the country on occasion. There will be a requirement for you to work flexibly, including that will need to be able and prepared to occasionally work during an evening and at a weekend on a planned basis.
The Ideal Candidate
- Be a qualified social worker preferably with 3 years post qualifying experience.
- Have a sound understanding of relevant legislation and policy in respect of adoption, permanency planning, children in care and safeguarding.
- Have skills in direct work with children and adults.
- Have a thorough understanding of attachment, separation, trauma and child development.
- Have the ability to work in partnership with other agencies across the country.
For more information about the secondment please contact: Melanie Steele - Team Manager - Adoption Assessment and Support, on 01743 250138 or melanie.steele@shropshire.gov.uk
If you wish to be considered for this post, please send an expression of interest explaining what skills and experience you have that make you suitable for this post. Expressions of interest will be accepted until 4 pm on Friday 16 May.
About Staffordshire County Council
We are no ordinary county council:
Our Values: The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively. Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy: We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future. We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too.
Our benefits: We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance. In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire.
Our recruitment process: As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities. As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post. As you'll know safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people/vulnerable adults is important to us and that's why this position is subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. If applicable you should disclose details of unspent and unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions and convictions in your application form.
Adoption Social Worker employer: Staffordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Staffordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Adoption Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific legislation and policies related to adoption and safeguarding. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and understanding of the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the adoption sector, especially those who work within the Shropshire & Telford Joint Hub. Engaging with current employees can provide insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your direct work experience with children and adults, particularly in relation to attachment and trauma. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and how they align with the responsibilities of the Adoption Social Worker role.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your flexibility and willingness to work outside of standard hours. Since the role requires evening and weekend work, expressing your readiness to adapt your schedule can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Adoption Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Adoption Social Worker position. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects mentioned in the job description, such as adoption assessments, support for prospective adopters, and family finding activities.
Tailor Your Expression of Interest: When crafting your expression of interest, specifically highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the role. Mention your qualifications, post-qualifying experience, and understanding of legislation related to adoption and safeguarding.
Showcase Your Skills: Emphasise your direct work experience with children and adults, as well as your understanding of attachment, separation, trauma, and child development. Use specific examples to demonstrate how these skills have been applied in your previous roles.
Proofread and Submit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your expression of interest for any grammatical errors or typos. Ensure that it is clear, concise, and professionally presented. Submit your application through our website before the deadline.
How to prepare for a job interview at Staffordshire County Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation and policies regarding adoption, permanency planning, and safeguarding. Being able to discuss these confidently will demonstrate your expertise and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills in direct work with children and adults. This could include successful adoption assessments or training sessions you've delivered, showcasing your hands-on experience.
✨Understand Attachment and Trauma
Be ready to discuss your understanding of attachment theory, separation, trauma, and child development. This knowledge is crucial for an Adoption Social Worker, so be prepared to explain how you apply this understanding in practice.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the role requires flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt your schedule. Highlight any previous experiences where you successfully managed flexible work arrangements.
