Social Worker (Adoption)

We have an exciting opportunity for a qualified social worker to join our Adoption Service, which is delivered by the Regional Adoption Agency Adoption Now. Whilst this is a part time vacancy with Tameside, please note that there is another part time social worker position also available in our team, employed by Oldham Council. It would therefore be possible for someone interested in a full time position to apply for both positions separately and we would welcome enquiries from those interested in full and part time arrangements. Since 2017 Adoption Now has combined local authority adoption teams from Blackburn with Darwen, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside with VAA's Caritas Care & Adoption Matters to deliver outstanding adoption services across the region. You will join a dynamic, innovative team comprising of experienced social workers from all six local authorities. The role specified has responsibility for the recruitment, assessment, training and support of prospective adopters. You will be involved with families at all stages of the adoption process, from first enquiry through to adoption orders. Adoption Now has three workstreams; Recruitment and Assessment of Adopters, Family Finding and Adoption Support. The role available is a permanent part time post in the Recruitment and Assessment of Adopters workstream. In completing the application form, please weight your evidence with this workstream in mind. Though employed by Tameside Council, with a local base, you will be seconded to the RAA and your work will take you across the Adoption Now region and will include some hybrid working from home and at our Hub in Bolton town centre.

You will have a strong commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for looked after children, be registered with Social Work England and preferably have post-qualifying experience in a statutory childcare setting, ideally including work in an adoption service. Specific experience in adopter recruitment is desirable but all applicants must have particular strengths in report writing, social work analysis, and confidence as a trainer and facilitator. The role involves the preparation of extensive reports for Panels and Courts, delivery of preparation groups to prospective adopters and training to colleagues and other professionals as required. You will have knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance and national minimum standards including the Children Act 1989 & the Adoption and Children Act 2002. The role requires the ability to manage and prioritise the demands of a busy caseload and complete work to target timescales. Work must be reliably recorded on the appropriate systems. Evening and occasional weekend work is required, as is distanced car travel. There is an expectation that you will be part of the team duty system on a rota basis and contribute to the development of team initiatives., We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. This post requires an Enhanced DBS Disclosure. This post is a designated customer facing role under the fluency duty and requires a specified level of spoken English in the person specification. All appointments will be to the bottom salary point in the grade with annual incremental progression each April until the grade maximum is reached. Where an individual can provide evidence that their existing salary in a relevant role surpasses the grade starting salary, a higher entry salary will be considered, subject to the professional grade development criteria also being met if that point is higher than the bar point.

• This post is classified as being in a professional job category. As such the grade for the job has a professional grade development bar which employees can progress through subject to meeting the following criteria:
1. Relevant professional qualification for the job role at Level 6 or above, AND 2. Minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in the role, AND 3. Maintained membership of a regulated body where this is a requirement to practice in the role where applicable, AND 4. Professional standards practised to the highest expected level. We are committed to developing a culture which respects individuals, appreciates difference and allows everyone regardless of background to reach their full potential. We are proud to be an accredited disability confident employer. Reasonable Adjustments will be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 in relation to the Job Role Criteria.

We offer regular supervision and annual appraisal. Other benefits include transfer of continual service from other Local Authorities, Local Government Pension Scheme as well as training opportunities. You will be valued for the skills and experience that you bring to the service, and you will be encouraged to build on them, with a keen eye on your continuous professional development. You will be encouraged to take part in a range of training and team activity that will contribute both to our service delivery as a whole and to your own knowledge and skill base. Our rewards and benefits package can be viewed here