Agency Decision Maker (Adopt South)

Hampshire County Council; Portsmouth, Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hampshire County Council, as the lead employer for Adopt South, is seeking an experienced adoption professional to become Agency Decision Maker for the region (Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton).

You will hold senior Local Authority children's services experience, be registered with Social Work England, and have a strong track record in safeguarding and adoption regulation knowledge, ensuring timely, positive outcomes for children and families.

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in Local Authority children's services.
• Strong knowledge of adoption regulations and legislation.
• Proven safeguarding practice track record.
• Excellent communication and decision-making within timescales.

Responsibilities

• Make delegated adoption decisions for Adopt South.
• Lead agency decision-making for the region (Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Southampton).
• Engage with adopters, children services, and partner authorities.
• Attend face-to-face meetings as required.

Skills

Decision making

Communication skills

Safeguarding

Leadership

Education

Social Work degree (or equivalent)

Registered with Social Work England

Job description

This role is with Adopt South, the partnership Regional Adoption Agency for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton local authorities, with the lead authority Hampshire County Council as the employer.

The Role:

We are seeking an experiencedadoption professional with an excellent understanding of adoption regulations and policies to act asAgency Decision Maker for the delegated functions within Adopt South.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of an innovative team and make a real difference to children and families across the South of the country. This could include participation in our away day events and family event with our adopters and their children.

What you’ll do:

You will have significant Local Authority children's management experience, and have worked at either Head of Service, Area Director or Service Manager level, in addition to experience within the adoption field. You will be confident in your ability to make informed decisions and will use your excellent communication skills to do so. You will have a strong track record of excellent safeguarding practice.

The role covers the whole of the Adopt South region (Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton local authorities) and may include some face-to-face meetings.

What we’re looking for:

You will have a strong track record of excellent safeguarding practice. You will have the capacity to be flexible and respond to decision-making requirements within timescales, whilst ensuring all decisions provide good outcomes for children. Currently registered with Social Work England and holding a Social Work degree (or equivalent), you will not only have a strong knowledge and understanding of adoption regulations, but also of relevant legislation and practice. Most importantly, however, you will have a passion for supporting children and families to ensure that they can thrive and flourish.