At a Glance
- Tasks: Make impactful decisions on adoption cases and support children and families.
- Company: Join Adopt South, a partnership agency dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Be part of an innovative team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage in community events and collaborate with passionate professionals.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families across the South.
- Qualifications: Experience in adoption and local authority management, with strong safeguarding knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
This role is with Adopt South, the partnership Regional Adoption Agency for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton local authorities, with the lead authority Hampshire County Council as the employer.
We are seeking an experienced adoption professional with an excellent understanding of adoption regulations and policies to act as Agency Decision Maker for the delegated functions within Adopt South. This includes adopter approvals, children’s plans for adoption, and matches for partnership local authorities where this work is in scope. This will involve reviewing adoption panel recommendations and making final decisions on behalf of Adopt South.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of an innovative team and make a real difference to children and families across the South of the country. This could include participation in our away day events and family events with our adopters and their children.
What you’ll do:
- You will have significant Local Authority children’s management experience, and have worked at either Head of Service, Area Director or Service Manager level, in addition to experience within the adoption field.
- You will be confident in your ability to make informed decisions and will use your excellent communication skills to do so.
- You will have a strong track record of excellent safeguarding practice.
- The role covers the whole of the Adopt South region (Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton local authorities) and may include some face-to-face meetings.
What we’re looking for:
- You will have a strong track record of excellent safeguarding practice.
- You will have the capacity to be flexible and respond to decision-making requirements within timescales, whilst ensuring all decisions provide good outcomes for children.
- Currently registered with Social Work England and holding a Social Work degree (or equivalent), you will not only have a strong knowledge and understanding of adoption regulations, but also of relevant legislation and practice.
- Most importantly, however, you will have a passion for supporting children and families to ensure that they can thrive and flourish.
Agency Decision Maker (Adopt South) employer: Community Care Live
Community Care Live is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. With a supportive work culture, dedicated consultants, and a commitment to empowering individuals in the community, employees can expect meaningful work and opportunities for development in the heart of Devon. The company also offers competitive pay and additional benefits, making it an attractive choice for those looking to make a difference in the lives of others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Agency Decision Maker (Adopt South)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Community Care Live.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Community Care Live!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Community Care Live, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Community Care Live or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Agency Decision Maker (Adopt South)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Community Care Live:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Community Care Live! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Community Care Live
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
