At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure smooth running of adoption panels and provide professional advice.
- Company: Join Adopt Thames Valley, a collaborative Regional Adoption Agency.
- Benefits: Flexible working, up to 32 days holiday, and great learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through quality adoption services.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with significant experience and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with guaranteed interviews for eligible applicants.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
Adopt Thames Valley (ATV) is a Regional Adoption Agency formed by Bracknell Forest, Oxfordshire, Reading, Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, Swindon, West Berkshire and Wokingham. It is hosted by Oxfordshire County Council with offices in Oxford, Swindon and Woodley (Berks).
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the continued development of Adopt Thames Valley (ATV) Regional. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Adoption Panel & Agency Advisor to ensure the smooth running of ATV Panels. The successful candidate will provide professional advice to the Adoption and Permanence Panels and to the Agency Decision Maker to ensure that a high-quality adoption service is provided by Adopt Thames Valley in compliance with the appropriate National Minimum Standards, regulations and all relevant legislation. As a member of the adoption management team, you will play a key role in the development of the service to meet the current and future adoption landscape.
About You
You will need to be a qualified social worker, SWE registered, with significant post-qualification experience and some management experience. You will have a detailed knowledge and understanding of legislation and adoption and permanence issues and of what constitutes good outcomes for children we care for. You will have strong interpersonal skills and be a sound communicator, including report writing and presentation skills.
Rewards and Benefits
- Culture of flexible working
- Technology to support agile working where role permits
- Up to 32 days holiday per year plus bank holidays
- Option to buy additional holiday
- Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and well-being support
- Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer's contribution of up to 19.9% and life assurance
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
- Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development
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 groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
- 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.
- 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.
- Flexible Working: We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and 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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If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact: teresa.rogers@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Adoption Panel and Agency Advisor in Oxford employer: Oxfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Oxfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Adoption Panel and Agency Advisor in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the adoption sector 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 brushing up on your knowledge of current legislation and best practices in adoption. We want you to shine, so practice answering common interview questions and think about how your experience aligns with the role at Adopt Thames Valley.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for adoption! During interviews, share your personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field. It’ll help you stand out and show that you’re genuinely committed to making a difference.
✨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, you can keep an eye on new roles as they come up, so you won’t miss out on any exciting opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Adoption Panel and Agency Advisor in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Adoption Panel and Agency Advisor. We want to see how your skills and knowledge fit into our mission at Adopt Thames Valley!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key for this role, don’t forget to demonstrate your report writing and presentation skills in your application. We love seeing clear and concise examples of how you’ve communicated effectively in the past.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Be sure to emphasise your post-qualification experience and any management roles you've held. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so show us what you’ve got!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the relevant legislation and National Minimum Standards related to adoption. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you understand their implications for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your management experience and how you've contributed to positive outcomes for children. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since strong interpersonal skills are key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or mentor to refine your communication style and ensure you can present your ideas confidently.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity
Adopt Thames Valley values equality and diversity, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve promoted these principles in your previous roles. Share any experiences where you’ve supported diverse groups or contributed to an inclusive environment.