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- Tasks: Support children and families through the adoption process, making a real difference in their lives.
- Company: Join Barnardo's, an Ofsted outstanding provider dedicated to children's welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team creating brighter futures for children and families.
- Qualifications: Degree in social work and experience with looked after children or child protection.
The predicted salary is between 36428 - 42244 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid working, Barnardo's hub/office or home address
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 22.2
Salary: £36,427.87 - £42,244.38 FTE
Closing Date: 20 May 2026
Interview Date: 22nd May 2026
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and families? Would you like to join an enthusiastic and diverse team where we believe that every child should have a safe, stable and loving home? We are currently recruiting for a part-time qualified social worker who has had experience of working with Looked After children or who has had significant experience in a child protection team. Ideally, you will also have had some adoption experience although this is not a requirement.
About Us: We are an Ofsted outstanding provider covering the SE of England, London and East Anglia. We are committed to providing exceptional adoption services to ensure that children are offered security, stability and the opportunity to thrive. We aim to recruit, prepare, assess and support families who are prepared to go on that journey with a child and give them the future they deserve.
Some of the key responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:
- Assessment of prospective adopters using the Adoption Assessment Framework (AAR)
- Attending multi-disciplinary meetings, Looked After Children Reviews and Panels.
- Offering regular supervision and support to adoptive families at different stages of the process.
- Ensuring timely recording and good communication with all professionals involved in the child's life.
- Contributing to pre and post approval training and therapeutic group work.
About You: We are looking for someone who:
- Has a Degree in SW/DipSW/CQSW and has completed ASYE
- Is Registered with SW England
- Has demonstrable experience of working with Looked after children or has experience of working in a child protection team. Ideally you will have some adoption experience although this is not essential.
- Is keen to extend their knowledge and skills.
- Has access to a car. A full driving license and appropriate business insurance are essential and evidence of these documents will be required if you are appointed.
What we offer:
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Flexible working arrangements with access to Barnardo's Hub offices
- The chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families.
Working Hours are 22.2 per week 9-5pm with flexibility to undertake training/visits outside of office hours.
Benefits:
- Annual Leave entitlement for full-time colleagues is 26 days per annum, increasing to 27 days per annum, after 3 years Barnardo's service, 29 days per annum, after 5 years Barnardo's service and 30 days per annum, after 7 years Barnardo's service.
- The ability to buy up to another 5 days annual leave via our Buy Your Leave scheme
- A host of family friendly leave options including company Maternity Paternity and Adoption pay; together with all family additional leave options
- Service related sick pay from day 1
- Access to a Group Personal Pension with a matched 4% or 6% contribution from Barnardo's.
- Death in service cover of 4x annual earnings for all staff contributing to our Group Personal Pension
- Cycle2work scheme
- Interest free season ticket loans
- Discounts and cashback from high street shops including major supermarkets, cinemas, gyms, leisure/theme parks, holidays and much more via our Benefit Portal
- 20% discount at Barnardo's stores
- Opportunity to purchase a health cash plan to claim towards dental, glasses, therapy etc
- Free access to round the clock employee assistance program for advice and support
- Access to Barnardo's Learning and Development offer
Adoption Social Worker in Olney employer: BARNARDOS
Contact Detail:
BARNARDOS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Adoption Social Worker in Olney
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with adoption. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you insider tips on the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Barnardo's values and mission. Show us how your passion aligns with our commitment to providing exceptional adoption services. Bring examples of your past experiences that demonstrate your skills and dedication.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experience with looked after children and any relevant training you've had. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the lives of children and families.
We think you need these skills to ace Adoption Social Worker in Olney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with Looked After children and any relevant skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Barnardo's!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for making a difference shine through! Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's lives in your previous roles. We love to see that passion!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate clarity, and it helps us understand your qualifications better!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you quickly.
How to prepare for a job interview at BARNARDOS
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Adoption Assessment Framework and the key responsibilities of an Adoption Social Worker. Brush up on your knowledge about looked after children and child protection, as these topics are likely to come up during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a difference in the lives of children and families. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight your passion for social work and your commitment to helping others. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how the organisation supports its staff. This shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and want to ensure it’s the right fit for you.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or mentor. Practising your responses to common interview questions can help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview. Plus, it’s a great way to refine your answers!