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An experienced and committed social worker is required to join a specialist Adoption Team supporting children and families through the adoption process. This is an opportunity to make a lasting difference to children who cannot safely return to their birth families, while helping prospective adopters provide stable, nurturing and permanent homes.

You will manage a varied caseload involving children, birth families, prospective adopters and adoptive families. Responsibilities will include completing assessments, preparing reports and plans, contributing to permanence planning, and providing high-quality support before, during and after an adoption placement. You will work closely with colleagues across children’s social care, education, health and other partner agencies to ensure children’s needs, wishes and welfare remain central to all decisions.

The role will involve undertaking thorough assessments, identifying and managing safeguarding concerns, maintaining accurate case records and presenting clear recommendations to panels, managers and, where required, the courts. You will be expected to promote positive relationships, support life-story work and help children and families understand and manage the impact of adoption, separation and change.

You will need a recognised social work qualification, current professional registration and relevant experience within children’s social care. Experience of adoption, permanence planning, fostering or family placement work would be highly advantageous. A sound understanding of safeguarding procedures, relevant legislation and regulations, assessment frameworks and the impact of trauma and loss is essential.

We are looking for someone who can prioritise effectively, work confidently both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, and communicate sensitively with children, families and professionals. You should be able to produce high-quality written work, demonstrate sound professional judgement and remain focused on achieving the best outcomes for children. A full driving licence and access to transport may be required for visiting families and attending meetings.