Raff Social Worker - Adopt South West - Ref 6053

The opportunity has arisen for permanent enthusiastic, motivated and experienced Social Workers to join Adopt South West.  

Adopt South West is the Regional Adoption Agency providing adoption services for the four local authorities of, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay councils. As from 1st April 2024 we will be joined by Cornwall Council. 

Devon County Council are the host Local Authority for the agency. Adopt South West have offices based across the region. 

These posts will be covering Cornwall and the Isle of Scilly (from 1st April 2024) and may be required to cover other areas with in the Adopt South West Region.  

About You

We are looking for a ‘person centred’ and self-motivated professional to join us, within the Recruitment Assessment and Family Finding Service (RAFF).   

You will have a range of experience working with children and families including safeguarding and permanence planning, and ideally an understanding of adoption. 

You will have experience of multi-agency working and presenting in meetings or to groups.

You will need a child centred approach and an understanding of the needs of children who have left their birth families as a result of abuse or neglect. Knowledge about the impact of early trauma and its manifestations is essential, as well as an ability to work with a wide variety of individuals- foster carers, adopters, Social Workers and other professionals, both locally and nationally.

You will play a key role in undertaking prospective adopter assessments, supporting approved adopters and carrying out children’s family finding, ensuring that children achieve permanence at the earliest opportunity. 

As part of the role, you will work regionally across the five local authorities, however, at times you can be required to travel across the country as needed.  

You will demonstrate an up-to-date knowledge of social work practice in relation to permanence and understand the needs of adoptive families and children. Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage and prioritise your own workload and work independently at times is essential, as well as being able to work as part of regional teams. 

Adopt South West are committed to your professional development.   We are a DDP informed agency and offer training opportunities including in Theraplay and DDP. 

The office base for each post will be discussed with the successful candidates. Our evolving ways of working means that the role will require you to also work remotely (e.g., from home/other locations).

For an informal discussion please contact James Fitton on 01392 383000 or via email on  Jim.Fitton@devon.gov.uk

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

What we can offer you

• Working for Devon County Council has all the benefits that you can expect from a large employer.
• In return for the vital contribution that you make, we offer:
• 26 days annual leave per year (rising with length of service) plus Bank Holidays effective from 1 April 2023
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme - more information can be found on the Peninsula Pensions website
• Access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme – available 24/7 to support you with personal and work life
• Flexible working opportunities, including home-working (subject to the needs of the role)
• Discounts from local and high street retailers through the Devon Discounts scheme

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working -The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• This role requires a DBS disclosure.