Independent Social Worker

About Coram: Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people. We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime. Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

About specific entity: Coram IAC - Intercountry Adoption Centre - now part of the Coram Group of children's charities have been working with families adopting from across the world for over 26 years. Coram IAC is a charity, not-for-profit and an accredited, legally registered adoption agency. We run outstanding services to support children and families affected by adoption. With the majority of our adopters being from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds adopting from countries they are connected to, our staff team also reflect this diversity. We have had three consecutive outstanding judgements from Ofsted, our regulator.

About the role: We are seeking to recruit experienced freelance Social Workers to assess applicants for their suitability as adoptive parents and Early Permanence carers. You must be able to take work in London and the surrounding counties. Applicants must be self-motivated, able to work to deadlines and be flexible in meeting the needs of the applicants and the agency. Substantial experience in adoption work is essential. An Induction and ongoing training will be provided.

Purpose of the Role: To work on a sessional basis under the guidance of the Adoption Team Manager, undertaking the assessment of prospective intercountry adopters, and any associated work as agreed by the Agency, as well as conversions to domestic adoption or domestic assessments, FER monitoring, family finding and other miscellaneous brief work by agreement with the Agency.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• To assess applicants for their suitability as intercountry adopters using the ICA Prospective Adopters Report (PAR).
• To assess applicants for their suitability as domestic adopters using the PAR.
• To convert applicants from ICA to domestic adoption, using the domestic PAR, unless otherwise agreed.
• To set clear timescales with applicants and with the Agency for the assessment process.
• To prepare reports, either full or brief for the Adoption Panel.
• To attend for supervision sessions as and when required by the Assessment Team manager.
• To prepare summary reports of all contacts with applicants.
• To prepare other formal reports as requested by the Adoption Team Manager in relation to each case, e.g. a short report if required by the State of origin (which may be subject to an additional fee).
• To participate in Agency training as and when required.
• To adhere to Agency policies and procedures including those on confidentiality and record keeping.
• Undertake any such other tasks as may be reasonably requested from time to time by the relevant manager or Chief Executive.

Person Specification:

• Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with recognised professional qualification; Current Registration with Health and Care Professions Council; Evidence of commitment to further professional learning (e.g. PQ or Advanced Award, attendance at training events).
• Experience: At least three years post-qualifying experience in child care social work, including direct experience of adoption work; Experience of intercountry adoption either within Local Authority or a Voluntary Adoption Agency; A knowledge of Asian languages, both written and oral is desirable but not essential.
• Personal: Willingness to work in a flexible manner with regard to caseload allocation; Willing to travel within the area defined by the London Boroughs.

Note: We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and expect staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS is required for the successful applicants.

£2750 plus travel, including Stage 1 Review; £2500 Plus travel, without Stage 1 Review As and when required.

Location: Coram IAC Office Cockfosters & Applicants Homes