At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform the lives of adopted children and support families through assessments and training.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council's Adopt South, a collaborative regional adoption agency.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, ongoing training, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth in a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and experience with children and families required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a qualified Social Worker to be part of our Adoption Assessment and Support team, who offer a holistic approach to helping families and children when they have challenges and need our support. You could help us transform the lives of adopted children and young people. This is a part time role working 30 hours per week.
About Adopt South
Adopt South is a regional adoption agency, launched in April 2019. The agency is formed through the partnership between Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council, with support from voluntary adoption agencies, Adoption UK, Barnardo’s and PACT.
The Role
Based at Glen House in Swanwick, you will work directly with families to positively transform the lives of adopted children. Your passion, enthusiasm and collaborative style will play a crucial role in ensuring successful outcomes for our parent(s) and children.
Having extensive experience and strong assessment skills, you will meet with families to complete Suitable To Adopt Report Assessments, deliver robust support plans, as well as development work and training of prospective adopters. Your experience and skills will also contribute to our training and workshop objectives, peer to peer support groups and family fun events.
This varied role is a fantastic opportunity for a social worker professional with three years' experience, who has empathy and creative thinking. We will support your learning and development, so you will be confident in introducing innovative therapeutic approaches and ideas that support families and our adoptive community.
The ideal candidate will need to have/be:
- A degree or equivalent qualification in Social Work
- Registration with Social Work England
- Experience of working with children and families in social work setting
- Concise verbal and written communication skills
- Mediation and negotiation skills
- Ability to assess risks, needs, and to analyse information and recognise problems
- Understand equalities issues in social work practice and principles of safety, dignity and empowerment
- Understand philosophies, professional social work issues and legal frameworks
- Understand data protection/confidentiality and need for accurate and timely recording
- Highly organised and able to manage time and conflicting demands effectively
- Willing to learn and develop in the role, with ongoing training and personal development
- Able to be flexible with working arrangements to meet the operational requirements of the post
Please ensure that you download and read the full job profile attached for the details and expectations of this role, paying particular attention to the section 'Who is the person' as you will need to refer to this when completing your Personal statement on your application.
Informal Enquiries
If you would like to discuss this role in more detail with the hiring manager, please contact Rebecca Bowles or Vicky Moore Team Manager, please email with your contact number and availability for informal discussion.
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.
Our Recruitment process
We anonymise applications during application & shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. As part of your application, we ask that you complete a personal statement, this statement is crucial and is where you must demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the job against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work/personal experience. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
We are a disability confident employer and have an Armed Forces Covenant. We are committed to offering an interview to all those candidates that qualify under one of our commitments and meet the minimum criteria, however, for roles that receive a large number of applications, this is not always possible, and we will select the candidates that best meet the minimum criteria.
Safeguarding
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.
Social Worker (Adopt South) - Portsmouth in Southampton employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for social workers. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to ongoing training and innovative therapeutic approaches that empower you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of adopted children and families. Our core values of respect, integrity, and collaboration ensure that you will thrive in a culture that prioritises both professional growth and the well-being of the community we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Adopt South) - Portsmouth in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might have insights into Adopt South. A friendly chat can lead to valuable information and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the agency's values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the team culture at Portsmouth City Council.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around your experience with children and families. We want to hear about your creative approaches and how you've made a difference in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker (Adopt South) - Portsmouth in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Profile Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to download and read the full job profile. Pay special attention to the 'Who is the Person' section, as this will guide you in crafting your personal statement.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement:Your personal statement is crucial! Use it to showcase how your experience aligns with the job requirements. Provide specific examples from your work or personal life that demonstrate your skills and qualifications.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep your language clear and concise. Avoid jargon and ensure your points are easy to understand. This will help us see your communication skills right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of a Social Worker at Adopt South. Brush up on your knowledge about adoption processes, assessment skills, and the specific challenges families face. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past experiences working with children and families. Use specific examples to highlight your assessment skills, mediation abilities, and how you've successfully supported families in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your capability and fit for the role.
✨Emphasise Your Values
Adopt South values respect, integrity, and collaboration. Be ready to share how your personal values align with these principles. Discussing your commitment to inclusivity and empowerment will resonate well with the interviewers and show that you’re a good cultural fit.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful ones that reflect your interest in the team and the role. For example, ask about the training opportunities available or how the team collaborates to support families. This shows you’re proactive and engaged.
