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- Tasks: Provide expert advice to Adoption Panels and ensure smooth operations for family placements.
- Company: Southend Council, dedicated to supporting children and families.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with strong support for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through impactful adoption processes.
- Qualifications: Recognised Social Work qualification and extensive adoption experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Your new role
Southend Council are looking to appoint a permanent, full-time, Adoption Panel Advisor. The principal role of the panel advisor is to provide professional advice to Adoption Panels, ensuring that the arrangements for panel are coordinated in advance, run smoothly on the day, and that follow-up actions and reports happen as required. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring that the central list provides sufficient panel members to meet the needs of the family placement work.
To oversee processes for the approval of foster carers and early permanence decisions, as well as promoting and supporting a range of family placement arrangements within Children's Services, working in partnership with colleagues internally and externally. The successful candidate will establish systems/best practice to support the decision-making process, including training and development in line with adoption regulations and National Minimum Standards, ensuring that the LA achieves timely permanence for children in care across the full range of legal options, including adoption, special guardianship, residence orders, family and friends and permanent/long term foster care.
Leading and working closely in collaboration with the Head of Service, Service Managers, Team Managers, Independent Reviewing Officers, and Children's Social Workers to develop and maintain relevant management information systems, and to lead on the analysis and reporting of practice/business activities linked to permanency and fostering panel. They will coordinate and attend permanency panel, permanency planning meetings and case track meetings, advising on the best way to achieve the most appropriate outcomes for children. The position is hybrid working, depending on the need for on-site panel meetings.
What you'll need to succeed
To be shortlisted for this position, you must be able to work in the UK, have a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. It is essential that you have extensive adoption experience along with panel adviser knowledge. You are required to have 2+ years performance/quality assurance experience as well as knowledge of legislation and adoption regulations gained within a social services context. Previous experience (preferably in a management capacity) of working with children and families and policy development. Experience of Quality Audit processes and their application within a service-focussed environment. Ability to relate and communicate effectively verbally and in writing, with a wide range of audiences, including service users, professional staff and senior managers in various agencies.
What you'll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
Adoption Panel Advisor - Permanent in Essex employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Adoption Panel Advisor - Permanent in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission, especially in adoption and fostering. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to panel advising and quality assurance. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Adoption Panel Advisor - Permanent in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, make sure to read the job description from top to bottom. It’s crucial to understand what Southend Council is looking for in an Adoption Panel Advisor so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Showcase Your Relevant Experience: When writing your CV and cover letter, highlight your extensive adoption experience and any panel adviser knowledge you have. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those details!
Communicate Clearly and Effectively: Since the role involves working with a variety of stakeholders, make sure your written communication is clear and professional. Use straightforward language and structure your application well to make it easy for us to read.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures that your application goes straight to the right people and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of adoption regulations and the role of an Adoption Panel Advisor. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and best practices, as this will show that you're not just qualified but genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in social work, particularly in adoption and fostering. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've contributed to decision-making processes or improved outcomes for children and families.
✨Communication is Key
Since you'll be working with a variety of stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey complex information in a way that's easy to understand for different audiences, from social workers to senior managers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current challenges in adoption processes or how they measure success in family placements. This shows you're proactive and engaged.