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- Tasks: Support birth parents through the adoption process with emotional and practical guidance.
- Company: Join Oxfordshire County Council's innovative Adopt Thames Valley team.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 33 days of leave, competitive pension, and discounts at local retailers.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families affected by adoption.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with 3+ years in adoption and strong assessment skills.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Oxfordshire County Council invites applications for a role within the Adopt Thames Valley (ATV) Regional Adoption Agency. The Regional Adoption Agency is hosted by Oxfordshire County Council and your contract and work conditions will sit within Oxfordshire County Council.
The Permanence Support Team provides post-order support to adopters, special guardians, and their children, adults affected by adoption, and birth families. The role will support birth parents who have experienced loss through adoption, providing emotional and practical support to navigate the adoption process. Responsibilities include:
- Organising meetings with adoptive parents
- Risk assessments
- Supporting contact
- Running support groups
- General support as specific pieces of work arise
We are looking for a passionate, qualified Social Worker with experience in adoption. Ideally you will have at least three years post-qualifying experience in adoption with relevant work settings (e.g., Children’s Services or Family Placement) and strong assessment, analytical and report-writing skills. The role supports birth parents and families who have experienced loss and trauma. The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- An understanding of the long-term impact of trauma
- Knowledge of adoptive family needs
- A willingness to develop further
- Computer literacy
As part of our team, you’ll benefit from:
- Vivup benefits platform
- Vivup highfive recognition platform
- Cyclescheme (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 Commitments:
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: A diverse workforce and inclusive environment
- Guaranteed Interview Schemes: Disability Confident employer; guarantees interviews for eligible groups
- Safeguarding: Commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults
- Flexible Working: Discussion of flexible working options (flexi-time, part-time, job sharing, nine-day fortnights, annualised hours)
To apply, visit careers.oxfordshire.gov.uk. For application system issues, contact Emma Griffin at Emma.Griffin@Oxfordshire.gov.uk.
Location: Oxfordshire
Employment type: Full-time
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Job function: Information Technology (contextual – as listed in the posting)
Industries: Government Relations Services
Website: Oxfordshire County Council
Senior Practitioner Birth Relative Support in Oxford employer: South East Employers
Contact Detail:
South East Employers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner Birth Relative Support in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the adoption and social work sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars to meet people who can give you insights or even refer you to opportunities. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to adoption and trauma. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for supporting birth families in your conversations. Share stories that highlight your understanding of trauma and its impact. This will help you connect with interviewers on a personal level and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on our careers page for any new openings that might suit your skills and experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner Birth Relative Support in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in adoption and social work. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Showcase Your Skills: Emphasise your assessment, analytical, and report-writing skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate a solid understanding of trauma and its impact, so make sure to include examples that reflect this.
Be Genuine: Let your passion for supporting birth families shine through in your application. We value authenticity, so share your motivations for wanting to work in this field and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at South East Employers
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of adoption processes and the emotional impact on birth families. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges they face, as well as the support systems in place. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about helping others.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles in Children’s Services or Family Placement. Have specific examples ready that highlight your assessment, analytical, and report-writing skills. This is your chance to demonstrate how your experience aligns with the needs of the Permanence Support Team.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations you might face in this role. Think about how you would handle sensitive topics like trauma and loss. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and approach effectively during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how they measure success in supporting birth families. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
