Adoption Panel Adviser

The Methodist Church in Britain; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave + bank holidays (

Pension scheme with life cover

Employee assistance programme

Staff discounts

Flexible working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Northamptonshire Children's Trust seeks a fixed-term advisor to support the Adoption Panel and Agency Decision Maker for three months. The post-holder will advise on adoption law and practice, quality assure panel reports, coordinate agendas and membership, and oversee minutes within statutory timescales.

Applicants must be registered with Social Work England and bring substantial children's social care experience, including fostering and adoption.

Qualifications

• Recognised social work qualification.
• Experience in safeguarding and child welfare settings.

Responsibilities

• Advise Adoption Panel, Panel Chair and Agency Decision Maker on adoption law, policy and practice.
• Quality assure reports and documentation presented to panel.
• Attend panel meetings and contribute expertise.
• Coordinate agendas, membership and statutory requirements.

Skills

Legislation knowledge

Communication skills

Professional judgement

Negotiation skills

Independent working

Education

Social work qualification

Job description

This fixed-term adoption role at Northamptonshire Children's Trust supports the Adoption Panel and Agency Decision Maker for three months. The post-holder advises on adoption law and practice, quality assures panel reports, coordinates agendas and membership, and oversees minutes within statutory timescales. Candidates must be registered with Social Work England and bring substantial children's social care experience, including fostering and adoption. The role is a regulated activity requiring an enhanced DBS with a barred list check.

What the job involves

• Advise the Adoption Panel, Panel Chair and Agency Decision Maker on adoption legislation, regulations, policy and practice
• Quality assure reports and documentation presented to panel, supporting staff to address gaps
• Attend panel meetings, contributing expertise and identifying key issues
• Work with the Panel Administrator on agendas, membership and statutory requirements so panels are properly constituted
• Identify practice issues arising from panel activity and feed them back to managers and teams
• Oversee the quality and timeliness of panel minutes and documentation against statutory timescales
• Arrange induction, development and training for panel members
• Give specialist advice to practitioners and managers on panel readiness, adoption processes and regulatory requirements

Qualifications

• Recognised social work qualification

Registration & licences

• Social Work England registration

Experience

• Substantial experience working in children’s social care
• Experience of fostering and adoption services, including adoption and fostering regulations and national minimum standards

Skills & knowledge

• Strong knowledge of legislation, regulations, statutory guidance and national policy on adoption and children’s services
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to build credibility and influence a range of stakeholders
• Strong professional judgement, analytical skills and confidence to challenge constructively
• Effective negotiation skills
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities and deadlines
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, inclusion and high standards of practice for children and families

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS certificate with Barred List check

What’s offered

• 28 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part time), rising by 5 days after 5 years
• Option to purchase up to 25 days additional annual leave
• Local Government Pension Scheme with life cover at 3 times salary from day one and ill-health pension protection
• Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7 to employee and immediate family
• Employee discounts with local and national retailers
• Flexible and family working arrangements, including enhanced maternity benefits
• Learning, development and career development opportunities
• Subsidised town centre car parking