Adoption Service Support Officer

Develop and provide a range of business support activities to the Adoption Team within the Children's Social Care Service, to enable it to meet its statutory obligations and provide timely and effective services, focusing on finding families for children in our care. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES : To develop and implement a comprehensive, effective and efficient administrative support service to meet the Adoption Team business requirements. Provide administrative support to the teams within the Adoption Service, including processing enquiries, undertaking medical and DBS checks, and progressing references for assessments and renewals. Act as a first point of contact for the service providing routine advice and information in relation to the Adoption service and dealing with enquiries / signposting from members of the public, professionals, and outside agencies. Processing a range of weekly payments in a timely manner via the electronic system used for this purpose and to support the Business Support Team Leader in the weekly and monthly validation of payments. Processing service and other related documentation, updating and validating the WCCIS / APEX information database as required ensuring records for this service area are maintained accurately, and assisting in its future development of the system. To support the financial function of the Directorate as and when necessary, including use of the payment card. Co-ordination, scheduling and arranging the Adoption panels that can be highly sensitive and challenging, and all associated administrative work to support the panel. This will include minute taking within strict timescales, and distribution of all associated documentation (this role routinely involves being exposed to and handling high risk and extremely sensitive information).

• Administer the financial assessment review process for Adoption Allowances.
• Assisting the social work practitioners with administrative systems development
and maintenance. This includes providing advice and support on the use of APEX / WCCIS and monitoring and ensuring the integrity of the APEX / WCCIS database. Assisting the Business Support Team Leader to set objectives, targets and implement new procedures. GENERAL DUTIES Health and Safety To fulfil the general and specific roles and responsibilities detailed in the Health and Safety Policy Equal Opportunities To ensure that all activities are operated in accordance with Equal Opportunities legislation and best practice. Safeguarding Protecting children, young people or adults at risk is a core responsibility of all employees. Any concerns should be reported to the Adult Safeguarding Team or Children's IAA Service within MASH. Review and Right to Vary This Job Description is as currently applies and will be reviewed regularly. You may be required to undertake other tasks that can be reasonably assigned to you, including development activities, which are within your capability and grade.