At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adoptive families and ensure high-quality services for children and young people.
- Company: Join a friendly and committed team at Adopt Thames Valley, part of Oxfordshire County Council.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 33 days annual leave, competitive pension, and discounts at local retailers.
- Other info: Flexible working options available and a commitment to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in adoption or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the continued development of Adopt Thames Valley (ATV) Regional Adoption Agency. ATV launched in December 2017 and is the shared Adoption Service for Bracknell Forest, Oxfordshire, Reading Borough Council (Brighter Futures for Children), The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead (Achieving for Children), Swindon Borough Council, West Berkshire Borough Council and Wokingham Borough Council. The Regional Adoption Agency is hosted by Oxfordshire County Council and so your contract and work conditions will sit within Oxfordshire County Council.
About the Role
The Permanence Support Team is a specialist team providing post-order support to adopters, Special Guardians, and their children, adults affected by adoption, and to birth families. The team is very friendly and supportive, as well as being hard-working and very committed to adoption work. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in adoption and permanence to further their career and specialism. You will be joining as a supportive team of aspirational, creative and committed Social Workers who strive to provide the best possible outcomes for adopted and Special Guardianship children.
Responsibilities
- To assist and support adoptive and Special Guardianship families, ensuring the highest standards of service are provided.
- To complete Assessments of Need, access therapeutic support, direct work, support families to navigate universal services and to advocate for families in need.
- To ensure that services to users are delivered and developed according to Adopt Thames Valley policies procedures and guidance.
- To ensure that services are planned and delivered in a way that maximises participation and reflects Children’s Rights in relation to services being provided and in the way that Children, Young People and Families are worked with.
- Tosupportthe devilry of team training andsupportgroups
This post holder is responsible for ensuring that Safeguarding and Child Protection policies are adhered to and concerns are raised in accordance with these policies.
About you
Are you a passionate, qualified social worker with experience of adoption, or have the skill set to move into this area? Are you interested in different ways of working in this field?
We are ideally seeking a Social Worker with at least three years post qualifying experience in adoption and with relevant work settings, such as within Children’s Services or Family Placement, and who has excellent assessment, analytical and report writing skills.
The applicant will need to demonstrate that they have a good understanding of the needs of adoptive families, and that they are keen to develop their knowledge and skills further. The successful applicant also needs to be computer literate.
Rewards and benefits
As part of our team, you’ll benefit from
- Vivup benefits platform
- Vivup highfive recognition platform
- Cycle scheme (for eco-conscious commuters)
- Electric vehicle lease scheme
- Discounts at local retailers
- Salary finance options
- Up to 33 days of annual leave (including bank holidays)
- A competitive 19.9% employer pension contribution rate
Our commitment to: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
Our commitment to: Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.
Our commitment to: Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
Our commitment to: Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
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Social Worker - Adopt Thames Valley in Woodley employer: Connected Local Government
At Adopt Thames Valley, part of Oxfordshire County Council, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the professional growth and well-being of our staff. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, while our comprehensive benefits package, including up to 33 days of annual leave and a generous pension contribution, ensures a rewarding work-life balance. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families, all within a diverse and inclusive environment that champions equality and flexible working arrangements.
Contact Details:
Connected Local Government Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Adopt Thames Valley in Woodley
✨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 Connected Local Government.
✨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 Connected Local Government!
✨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 Connected Local Government, 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 Connected Local Government 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 Social Worker - Adopt Thames Valley in Woodley
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 Connected Local Government:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Connected Local Government! 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 Connected Local Government
✨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.
