Adoption Social Worker - Fostering and Adoption Team, Adoption Hub

18.5 hours per week

The Fostering and Adoption Team are looking to recruit a Social Worker to the Adoption Hub.

This role will include an emphasis on placing the safety and welfare of children at the very centre of everything we do.

Based within the Adoption Hub of the Fostering and Adoption Team, you would write Child Permanence Reports, match children to their adoptive family and support the child’s transition into their adoptive home. You would be responsible for supporting birth relatives through the adoption process too. You would have the opportunity to undertake Step-Parent Adoption assessments and Special Guardianship assessments within this role as well. So we are looking for a Social Worker who is excellent at working directly with young children and adults alike. The successful applicant will have well developed empathy skills, a commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and be keen to engage in reflective supervision.

As part of the Fostering and Adoption Team you would work closely with colleagues in the Fostering Hubs, Support and Protection Teams, and Adopt South. As such, we are looking for candidates who are energetic and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to join our experienced and hardworking team.

Given the diverse nature of the role and sensitive work that we do, you must be adaptable in your approach and be equipped to manage the emotional demands of the role whilst maintaining a high level of professionalism.

If you have experience and skills in working with children and adults from all walks of life and are enthusiastic and passionate about supporting positive outcomes for children and their families, we would love to hear from you!

Join #TeamIWC and you'll receive our staff benefits package, including:

• Annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a PLUS public holidays!
• Local Government pension scheme
• Discounted Solent ferry travel
• Island bus network discount
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff parking permit scheme
• Discounted island sports & leisure gym membership
• National and local discounts & benefits schemes
• Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 may be available for some roles (subject to criteria)
• Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland (subject to criteria)

Find out more about working for the Isle of Wight Council and living on the Island.

The Isle of Wight Council currently does not have a license to sponsor overseas workers.

We actively promote the diversity of our workforce, and provide flexible working options (where appropriate) to support the different needs of our employees. We are an equal opportunities employer, proud to encourage applications from all cultures, backgrounds and abilities to better reflect the diversity within our local community.

We are a Disability Confident employer. Along with a number of commitments, this means, providing you meet the basic essential requirements of the advertised role and have declared yourself as disabled, you will be offered an opportunity for an interview within the council.

The Isle of Wight Council protects its employees from discrimination, and this is supported by;

unacceptable behaviour policy

employee code of conduct

our values, culture and inclusivity

The Isle of Wight Council’s Terms & Conditions of employment are available upon request. Please contact our recruitment team via [email protected] if you would like to receive a copy.

The Isle of Wight Council reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than stated, if required. To ensure your application is considered, it is recommended to submit your application promptly.

This council and its schools recruit according to the council’s Recruitment, Policy and Procedure and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.

For support completing your online application or for further information on how to apply, phone 01983 823134 or email [email protected]  Only applications submitted online by the closing date will be accepted.

We often receive a high volume of applicants for our vacancies. If you do not hear from the recruiting manager within three weeks of the closing date, we regret that your application will not have been successful on this occasion. Please revisit our job page for alternate posts that may be suitable.

Please read the Application Guidance Notes before applying. If you are unable to complete this application, email us at [email protected] or telephone us on 01983 823113