At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through the adoption process while working with a dedicated team.
- Company: Thurrock Council, committed to positive outcomes for children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hybrid working, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and a £500 referral bonus.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a collaborative work culture.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with at least 3 years of experience in adoption.
Location: Grays, Thurrock
Employer: Thurrock Council
Start Date: ASAP
Contract: Full-Time Locum (3 Months)
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday | Hybrid Working Available
Pay Rate: £34.80 per hour
SW Locums is recruiting an experienced Senior Practitioner – Adoption to join Thurrock Council's dedicated Adoption Team. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a supportive local authority committed to achieving positive outcomes for children and families while benefiting from flexible hybrid working.
Key Responsibilities
- Recruiting and assessing prospective adopters.
- Delivering information events and Preparing to Adopt training.
- Family finding for children and prospective adopters.
- Supporting adoptive families following placement.
- Supporting birth parents throughout the adoption process.
- Completing Post Adoption Support and Special Guardianship Order (SGO) assessments.
- Preparing court reports for non-agency and step-parent adoptions.
- Working closely with partner agencies across Adopt East.
Requirements
- Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
- Minimum 3 years' post-qualified experience.
- Previous statutory children's social work and adoption experience.
- Strong assessment, communication, report writing, and organisational skills.
- Enhanced DBS.
Why Thurrock Council?
Thurrock Council offers a collaborative working environment, experienced leadership, flexible hybrid working, and a strong commitment to delivering high-quality adoption services that make a real difference to children and families.
Why SW Locums?
At SW Locums, we pride ourselves on providing honest, transparent recruitment with continuous support throughout your locum journey. We offer competitive rates, weekly payroll, dedicated consultant support, fast compliance, and access to exclusive social work opportunities across the UK.
£500 Referral Bonus: Refer a successful candidate and receive a £500 referral bonus.* Terms and conditions apply.
For more information or to apply, contact: Sean Wood Mobile: (phone number removed)
Senior Practitioner - Adoption in Grays employer: SW Locums
SW Locums is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the children they serve. With competitive pay rates and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow their skills in a meaningful role that directly impacts the lives of families in the London Borough of Islington. Join us to be part of a dedicated team committed to making a positive difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner - Adoption in Grays
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at SW Locums.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from SW Locums!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like SW Locums, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at SW Locums or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner - Adoption in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to SW Locums:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to SW Locums! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SW Locums
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
