Job Introduction
About Us
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the continued development of Adopt Thames Valley (ATV) Regional Adoption Agency. ATV launched in December 2017 and is the shared Adoption Service for Bracknell Forest, Oxfordshire, Reading Borough Council (Brighter Futures for Children), The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead (Achieving for Children), Swindon Borough Council, West Berkshire Borough Council and Wokingham Borough Council.
About the Role
Organisation: Adopt Thames Valley (hosted by Oxfordshire County Council)
Team: Adoption Team
Work base: Woodley, Berkshire
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
The team is very friendly and supportive, as well as being hard-working and very committed to adoption work. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in adoption and permanence to further their career and specialism.
Your responsibilities will include:
- To assist the Team Managers in the operational management of the team, ensuring the highest standards of service are provided.
- To ensure that services to users are delivered and developed according to Adopt Thames Valley policies procedures and guidance.
- To ensure that services are planned and delivered in a way that maximises participation and reflects Children’s Rights in relation to services being provided and in the way that Children, Young People and Families are worked with.
- To provide case supervision to social workers and family support workers
This post holder is responsible for ensuring that Safeguarding and Child Protection policies are adhered to, and concerns are raised in accordance with these policies
About you
We are ideally seeking a social worker with three years post qualifying experience in relevant work settings, such as within Children’s Services or Family Placement, and who has excellent assessment, analytical and report writing skills. Experience of supervising or mentoring staff within this setting will be beneficial.
The applicant will need to demonstrate that they understand the permanency planning process, the needs of children who require an adoptive placement, and that they are keen to develop their knowledge and skills further. The successful applicant also needs to be computer literate.
Rewards and benefits
As part of our team, you’ll benefit from:
- Vivup benefits platform
- Vivup highfive recognition platform
- Cyclescheme (for eco-conscious commuters)
- Electric vehicle lease scheme
- Discounts at local retailers
- Salary finance options
- Up to 33 days of annual leave (including bank holidays)
- A competitive 19.9% employer pension contribution rate
Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.
Our commitment to:
Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
Our commitment to:
Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk