Job Title: Social Worker/Senior Social Worker

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37

Salary : PO1/PO3 £37,035 - £44,711

Location: Based at Britannia House, Bradford

One Adoption West Yorkshire is a regional adoption agency, delivering adoption services on behalf of the five local authorities in West Yorkshire. We are currently seeking a Social Worker to join our Recruitment and Assessment team, based in Bradford.

In this role, you will work with prospective adopters - preparing, assessing, and supporting them throughout the adoption journey. You will also play a key role in matching children with families and supporting placements through to the granting of an adoption order.

The post is open to qualified Social Workers and Senior Social Workers. Appointment at Senior Social Worker level is subject to evidence of successfully passing a relevant progression process.

One Adoption West Yorkshire is ‘hosted’ by Leeds City Council and as such the successful candidate will be employed by Leeds.

Benefits of working with Leeds City Council:

We pride ourselves on offering the best employee experience, with a genuine commitment to keeping our colleagues safe and well at work. You can expect great benefits whilst working for us including:

• a competitive pay progression structure including generous employer pension contributions
• flexible career paths with tailored personal and professional development
• support for you, your home and your family including personal, and financial support
• hybrid working arrangements (subject to needs of the role) and a flexitime system

For more information about our benefits please see the benefits section of our jobs page.

About One Adoption West Yorkshire

We pride ourselves on delivering a high-quality, timely, flexible, and responsive adoption service. Our core aims are to:

• Move children into adoptive families without delay
• Provide support for families at every stage of the adoption journey
• Ensure children receive high-quality care, stability, and a sense of belonging
• Ensure all voices—children, adoptive families, birth parents, and adopted adults—are heard and influence decisions and service development

You will be joining a supportive team with regular supervision and strong opportunities for ongoing development.

If you are an exceptional, motivated, dedicated practitioner; able to demonstrate a proven experience of effectively undertaking social work then we would like you to apply to become part of our team. 

Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of early childhood trauma, separation, and loss, particularly in the context of adoption.  You will need to be a skilled social worker and be able to engage well with children and adoptive families.

We are looking for a practitioner who brings fresh ideas and can positively influence service delivery. In return you will gain the opportunity to develop your professional skills and your career in a challenging but supportive environment.

Your role 

The role includes recruiting, preparing, and assessing prospective adopters, as well as providing ongoing support throughout the adoption process. You will play a key role in matching children with suitable adopters and supporting those placements through to the final adoption order. Additionally, there will be opportunities to deliver training, facilitate group work with adoptive parents alongside colleagues, and contribute to specific areas of service development.

What you will bring to the role 

You will have excellent communication and written skills as well as being a team player. You will be motivated and a critical thinker with the ability to understand the needs of and work collaboratively with families and other ‘stakeholders’ within the area of adoption.

You will have a recognised social work qualification (SW Degree, DipSW, CQSW etc.) and be registered with Social Work England (SWE).  The post is open to social workers and senior social workers, however you will need to demonstrate that you have successfully passed a progression process in order to be appointed at Senior Social Worker level.

For an informal discussion about the post please contact Samantha Mc Cay, Team Manager on 07712 216929 or Rhian Beynon, Service Delivery Manager on 07712 216719.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s or Adults’ barred list as applicable will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people. 

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description - Social Worker PO1

As an adoption agency our Vison is to be a flagship adoption agency that develops and promotes best practice, improving adoption standards nationally.

Our Mission is to find loving families who can meet the needs of children and offer an innovative and supportive approach to all those affected by adoption.

Our Behaviours will be influenced by our values of;

• Working as a Team for One Adoption West Yorkshire and Leeds
• Being Open, Honest & Trusted
• Working with Communities
• Treating People Fairly
• Spending Money Wisely

Job Purpose: To be responsible for a caseload of adoptive families which includes the assessment, support and training of those adoptive families to ensure they care properly for children placed with them. To undertake family finding for children requiring adoption. To provide counselling to adoptive and birth families and adopted adults where required. Under the general direction of a Team Manager to provide a high quality and comprehensive social work service to children and their families, in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices of the Agency and within statutory guidelines. To Develop relationships with children, young people, families and professionals so as to best provide a high-quality service.

The work will be undertaken with supervision and guidance from the Team Manager. This may include elements of co-working more challenging/complex casework.  The post holder must at all times carry out the responsibilities within the Agency’s Policies and Procedures, and also within the Social Work England Code of Practice.

Responsibilities: 

• Responsible for a caseload of adoptive families/birth parents or adopted adults and undertake assessments of adopters and their families using an evidenced based and child focused approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures.
• Responsibilities include the recruitment, assessment, support, training and counselling of adoptive families and birth relatives and adopted adults.
• On the basis of an analysis of adoptive parents’ strengths and vulnerabilities, devise and implement a support plan which correspond to the assessed needs of adopters their families in line with procedures.
• Responsible for analysing information and risks to support the ongoing needs of adopters, their families to promote the wellbeing of children placed with them.
• Monitor and review support relating to the assessed needs of adopters and their families in accordance with agency procedures.
• Plan and commission services and support for children, young people, and their families.
• Undertake annual reviews of adoptive parents as required.
• To family find for children and to provide specialist consultation, guidance and advice to fieldwork colleagues on matters relating to adoption.
• Work in partnership in a team parenting approach to help identify any needs within the adoptive family with other professionals to ensure the coordinated implementation of care plans for children placed with them.
• Work within safeguarding procedures, to work with adoptive families in managing risks in complex situations and providing safe care plans where children have experienced or likely to experience significant harm.
• Participate in the recruitment of potential adoptive parents and identify training needs of adoptive families and deliver training as required.
• Take part in recruitment events, activities and open days/evenings to promote the work of the service and to recruit potential adopters.
• Organise and lead adoption support group meetings on a regular basis.
• Work directly with children and young people to ensure that assessments and interventions are informed by their views.
• Work restoratively to develop and maintain effective relationships with children and young people, their families, and carers to achieve positive outcomes.
• Work with children and young people, families, and carers to help them make informed decisions, enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning.
• Undertake risk assessments regarding contact arrangements and be responsible for the re-negotiation of contact arrangements.
• Provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative and based on analysis of complex evidence which can be used within the legal context.
• Maintain and update case notes and other records, prepare reports as required and if required, give evidence in court in relation to care or adoption proceedings.
• Use management information systems, keeping them up to date and able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the requirements of data protection.
• Be compliant with relevant governance, policy and procedures.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the agency and partner agencies to ensure integrated, holistic and multidisciplinary approach to the care management and safeguarding of service users.
• Contribute to the promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities.
• Responsible for understanding and applying all relevant practice standards, policies and procedures.
• Responsible for planning and negotiating a range of appropriate services and interventions that meet the needs of service users within delegated levels of responsibility.
• Identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures, seeking guidance if required.
• Appropriately participate in meetings and relevant regional forums and convene and chair multi-agency meetings in line with procedures.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
• Organise work activities taking account of the need to prioritise tasks and responsibilities ensuring statutory legislation and service priorities are met.
• Work to and within the prescribed capabilities framework.
• Work to the prescribed standards for service provision and maintain performance and develop practice and experience in line with personal targets as agreed with line manager through supervision and appraisal.
• Participate in appraisal, training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development.
• Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.
• Carry out the Practice Educator Level 1 role and supervise students.
• Be aware of and comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council and One Adoption policies and procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under Child Protection, Confidentiality, Data Protection, Health, Safety and Security, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the values, standards, and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• Actively promote and support One Adoption’s, Leeds City Council’s and Directorate policies on Equality and Diversity.

• Flexible working arrangements, including evening and/or weekends, may be necessary on occasion to complete on-going casework, emergency situations, evening visits, training, groups or meetings.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications: The post requires an appropriate professional qualification (DipSW, Degree, CQSW or equivalent).  You should be registered with Social Work England upon commencement of the post and maintain registration.  Practice Educator Level 1 on appointment and to undertake Practice Educator Level 2 within an agreed time period. 

Essential Requirement: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria.  Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

• Able to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate. 
• Able to effectively plan, manage, prioritise, and evaluate work with users.
• Able to plan, prioritise and time manage own workload.
• Able to communicate and pass information effectively, accurately, and concisely with a range of partners and services users, carers, and colleagues.
• Able to engage individuals, families, carers, and workers from other agencies.
• Able to identify appropriate social work interventions in order to promote positive change.
• Able to devise and implement service and support plans.
• Able to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person-centred approach.
• Able to maintain accurate service user records, assessments and follow policy and procedure.
• Able to record, evidence and communicate using technology.
• Able to exercise individual judgement, assess risk and consult where and when appropriate.
• Able to make proactive use of Supervision to reflect critically on practice and explore different approaches to work and understand the boundaries of professional accountability.
• Able to chair routine or less complex meetings.
• Able to work and engage with children and young people and use their views to inform assessments, plans and interventions.
• Able to prepare reports and Communications Skills
• Knowledge of the range of theories and models for Social Work intervention with individuals, families, groups, and communities.
• Knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation appropriate to the needs of service users from a wide range of backgrounds, including adoption legislation.
• Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Basic awareness of IT systems including Microsoft Office, Internet, and Email,
• Knowledge of current, trends, policies, legislation, and regulatory bodies in relation to adoption
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and the needs and wishes of individuals, families, and carers as appropriate.
• Demonstrate an awareness of needs and safeguarding issues associated with vulnerable people.
• Demonstrate an understanding of diversity issues within local communities.
• Completion of NQSW programme or the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)
• Experience of working within and implementing a person centred/child focused approach.
• Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems.
• Experience of advocacy and user involvement.
• Experience of using initiative and a commitment to develop services.
• Experience of use of reflective practice techniques to critically analyse information to inform decision making and planning.
• Experience of producing records and reports to a high standard for a variety of purposes with language suited to function.
• Experience of the application of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments.
• Experience of using supervision effectively
• Minimum of 12 months post qualification experience of working in a statutory setting
• Experience of devising, implementing, and reviewing support plans

 Behavioural & other Characteristics required.

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Desirable Requirements: It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria.  Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates. 

• Possession of a full current driving licence
• Knowledge of consolidation of learning for specialist practice
• Experience of working with a wide range of Service user groups
• Experience of direct work with children and young people
• Experience of counselling
• Experience of group work
• Experience of working with adoptive families

Job Description - Senior Adoption Social Worker - PO3

As an adoption agency our Vison is to be a flagship adoption agency that develops and promotes best practice, improving adoption standards nationally.

Our Mission is to find loving families who can meet the needs of children and offer an innovative and supportive approach to all those affected by adoption.

Our Behaviours will be influenced by our values of;

• Working as a Team for One Adoption West Yorkshire and Leeds
• Being Open, Honest & Trusted
• Working with Communities
• Treating People Fairly
• Spending Money Wisely

Job Purpose: To be responsible for a caseload of adoptive families which includes the assessment, support and training of those adoptive families to ensure they care properly for children placed with them. To undertake family finding for children requiring adoption. To provide counselling to adoptive and birth families and adopted adults where required. Under the general direction of a Team Manager to provide a high quality and comprehensive social work service to children and their families, in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices of the Agency and within statutory guidelines. To Develop relationships with children, young people, families and professionals so as to best provide a high-quality service.

The work will be undertaken with supervision and guidance from the Team Manager. This is an experienced social worker role with specific responsibilities for managing a caseload of higher levels of complexity, which will include assessment and management of risk and to provide casework advice, support, and guidance to other team members.  The post holder must at all times carry out the responsibilities within the Agency’s Policies and Procedures, and also within the Social Work England Code of Practice.

Responsibilities: 

• Responsible for a caseload of adoptive families who care for more complex children and undertake assessments of these adopters and their families using an evidenced based and child focused approach in accordance with agreed statutory and directorate procedures.
• On the basis of an analysis of adoptive parents’ strengths and vulnerabilities, devise and implement a support plan which correspond to the assessed needs of adopters their families in line with procedures.
• Responsible for analysing information and risks to support the ongoing needs of adoptive parents and their families to promote the wellbeing of children placed with them.
• Monitor and review support relating to the assessed needs of adopters and their families in accordance with agency procedures.
• Plan and commission services and support for children, young people, and their families.
• Undertake annual reviews of adoptive parents as required.
• To family find for more complex children and to provide specialist consultation, guidance and advice to fieldwork colleagues on matters relating to adoption and on carer assessments and casework to less experienced team members.
• Work in partnership in a team parenting approach to help identify any needs within the adoptive family with other professionals to ensure the coordinated implementation of care plans for children placed with adopters.
• Work within safeguarding procedures, to work with adopters in managing complex risks and providing safe care plans where children have experienced or likely to experience significant harm.
• Lead and organise training for adopters and contribute to the delivery of practice development days within the service as well as providing training for children’s social work teams and partner agencies on relevant topics relating to the Adoption Service.
• Lead on recruitment events, activities and open days/evenings to promote the work of the service and to recruit potential adopters.
• Organise and lead support group meetings/events for adopters and children.
• Work directly with children and young people to ensure that assessments and interventions are informed by their views.
• Work restoratively to develop and maintain effective relationships with children and young people, their families, and carers to achieve positive outcomes.
• Work with children and young people, families, and carers to help them make informed decisions, enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning.
• Undertake risk assessments regarding contact arrangements and be responsible for the re-negotiation of complex contact arrangements.
• Provide a high level of support for complex situations in adoption regarding adoption disruptions.
• Provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative and based on analysis of complex evidence which can be used within the legal context.
• Maintain and update case notes and other records, write reports as required and if required, give evidence in court in relation to care or adoption proceedings.
• Use management information systems, keeping them up to date and able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the requirements of data protection.
• Be compliant with relevant governance, policy and procedures.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the agency and partner agencies to ensure integrated, holistic and multidisciplinary approach to the care management and safeguarding of service users.
• Contribute to the promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities.
• Be responsible for understanding and applying all relevant practice standards, policies and procedures.
• Maintain an awareness of related theories and legislation. Disseminate knowledge and contribute to the delivery of a high standard of service.
• Responsible for planning and negotiating a range of appropriate services and interventions that meet the needs of service users within delegated levels of responsibility.
• Assist in the planning and developing of future services and policies, promote innovative ways of developing practice and contribute to the development of the adoption service.
• Identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures, seeking guidance if required.
• Under the direction of the Team Manager undertake specific pieces of work in relation to customer feedback, representations, complaints, multi-agency projects or service developments and make recommendations or actions plans to implement these to improve service delivery.
• Appropriately participate in meetings and relevant forums and convene and chair multi agency meetings in line with procedures.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
• Organise work activities taking account of the need to prioritise tasks and responsibilities ensuring statutory legislation and service priorities are met.
• Work to and within the prescribed professional capabilities framework.
• Work to the prescribed standards for service provision and maintain performance and develop practice and experience in line with personal targets as agreed with line manager through supervision and appraisal.
• Participate in appraisal, training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development.
• Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.
• Undertake the Practice Educator Level 2 role and assess and manage the work of social work students.
• Supervise students and contribute to the preparation of practice learning settings for student placements, ensuring induction programmes are provided and continuously monitor learning setting and opportunities provided.
• Provide advice, support, and guidance on casework to less experienced team members.
• Be aware of and comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council and One Adoption policies and procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under Child Protection, Confidentiality, Data Protection, Health, Safety and Security, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the values, standards, and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• Flexible working arrangements, including evening and/or weekends, may be necessary on occasion to complete on-going casework, emergency situations, evening visits, training, groups or meetings.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications: The post requires an appropriate professional qualification (DipSW, Degree, CQSW or equivalent).  You should be registered with Social Work England upon commencement of the post and maintain registration.  Practice Educator Level 2 on appointment

Essential Requirement: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria.  Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

• Able to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate. 
• Able to effectively plan, manage, prioritise, and evaluate work with service users.
• Able to plan, prioritise and time manage a complex workload.
• A high level of effective written and verbal communication and the ability to pass information accurately and concisely with a range of partners and services users, carers, and colleagues.
• Able to overcome resistance and to exercise assertiveness in appropriate situations when working with individuals, families, carers, and other agencies.
• Able to negotiate, challenge and manage conflict.
• Able to innovate and problem solve with the ability to identify appropriate social work interventions.
• Able to devise, implement review and evaluate service and support plans.
• Able to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person-centred approach.
• Able to exercise individual judgement and consult where and when necessary.
• Able to be flexible, creative and use own initiative.
• Able to maintain accurate service user records, assessments and follow policy and procedure.
• Able to record, evidence and communicate using technology.
• Able to exercise individual judgement, assess risk and consult where and when appropriate.
• Able to chair multi-agency and other meetings and represent the Council in a professional capacity.
• Able to develop self and others including mentoring, supervision and development of student placements and other social work staff.
• Able to lead and motivate staff.
• Able engage with children and young people and use their views to inform assessments, plans and interventions.
• Knowledge of recent relevant professional development
• Knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework appropriate to the needs of service users from a wide range of backgrounds, including adoption legislation.
• Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Basic awareness of IT systems including Microsoft Office, Internet, and Email,
• Knowledge of current, trends, policies, legislation, and regulatory bodies in relation to adoption.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and the needs and wishes of individuals, families, and carers as appropriate.
• Demonstrate an awareness of needs and safeguarding issues associated with vulnerable people.
• Demonstrate an understanding of diversity issues within local communities.
• Knowledge of the challenges of working within a multi-agency environment
• Experience of working within a Social Care environment
• Experience of working in a multi-agency setting
• Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems.
• Experience of working within and implementing a person centred/child focused approach.
• Experience of supervising, supporting, encouraging, and advising qualified and non-qualified staff
• Experience of the use of reflective practice techniques to critically analyse information to inform decision making and planning.
• Experience of producing written records and reports to a high standard for a variety of purposes with language suited to function.
• Experience of managing a high level, complex and diverse caseload within agreed parameters, policy, and procedure
• Experience of the application of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments.

Behavioural & other Characteristics required.

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Desirable Requirements: It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following requirements.  Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates. 

• Possession of a full current driving licence
• Knowledge of consolidation of learning for specialist practice
• Experience of working with a wide range of Service user groups
• Of direct work with children and young people
• Of counselling
• Of group work
• Of working with adoptive families