We are looking for a Social Worker registered with Social Work England (SWE) with experience in working with children and families in a statutory setting. We are seeking candidates who are willing to work with a range of professionals and agencies in progressing permanency plans for Looked After Children. This is a unique and specialist role that is systematically designed to holistically support children secure permanent homes and a better future. The Kinship and Adoption Team aims to secure permanency for children via Adoption and Special Guardianship Order whilst working creatively and sensitively with children, families, professionals and agencies to promote stability for children. Kinship and Adoption Social workers are committed to making a difference in the life of every child placed in care. The team consist of dedicated social workers with shared responsibilities and understanding in promoting good practice. Kinship and Adoption Social workers are confident and resilient workers who are offered lots of opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills in social work practice. We are looking for candidates who are open to a new challenge and willing to invest in a culture of learning and support targeted at improving the lives of children and families and promoting best outcomes. We are looking for a passionate social worker with two years post qualifying experience working with children and families. Direct experience of working within an Adoption and Special Guardianship team is not essential but safeguarding experience and ability to engage and communicate effectively with children and families is required. In this role, you will be working as an Adoption Social Worker and a Supervising Social Worker for Kinship carers. This means you will be working in line with Adoption and Fostering legislations whilst working effectively with professionals and agencies to drive permanency plans for children. You will be supervising Reg 24 carers in ensuring care standards requirements are met in the best interest of children whilst proactively seeking support to equip carers with resources required to promote the welfare and stability of children under Connected person arrangement, Special Guardianship Orders and Private Fostering. You will also be responsible for monitoring the welfare and progress of Looked After Children who are subject to LAC Reviews and LAC processes until Adoption Order is granted. The team provides post SGO support including making an application to seek therapeutic support for children under SGO via Adoption Support Fund(ASF). You will also be supporting children and families post SGO with general queries in relation to contact issues and Special Guardianship payments. We run a healthy and supportive Duty system as well as organise and run SG support groups to support carers. You will be an active team member working alongside colleagues to deliver effective and excellent services to children and families.
We are putting the heart back into social work, supported by our relational practice model where we ensure the child’s lived experience takes centre stage.
Ours is a culture of high support, high expectations and fair challenge. We need committed individuals to support us in the delivery of these aims and to become part of our team to make a difference to our children and families.
In return we offer a competitive pay package, £2.5k Recruitment and £2.5k Retention Allowance, generous pension and relocation package, annual leave up to 31 days, excellent opportunities for career progression, whether you want to broaden your experience as a social worker or step into management, investment in your learning and development as well as a commitment to your wellbeing. We are currently reviewing our pay and benefits offer. The details in this advert reflect the offer that is in place at the time of this recruitment campaign.