Salary Grade 7 £21,268 to £23,398 per annum (£10,633 to £11,698 pro rata)

Permanent, Part time

Based in Horsham

18.5 hours per week

Interview date: 01 September 2017

 This position is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (formerly Criminal Records Bureau check)

Please indicate which post(s) you are applying for by detailing your preference(s) at the top of the application form in the preference area.

With you, with the child…Every step of the way We’re working together as one professional team, in an environment based on high challenge and high support, creating more positive outcomes for the children and families in our care. As a leadership team we will stand at your side, supporting you every step of the way

West Sussex Adoption Team is a county wide service based in Horsham and is responsible for recruiting, assessing and preparing adopters whilst also providing information about the adoption process, the needs of children requiring adoption and the support services available to adoptive parents. We are seeking a dedicated Children and Family Worker who will energetically and enthusiastically make a major contribution to the delivery of a developing high quality service for children and their prospective adoptive families in West Sussex. This is a part-time position and we welcome applications from a suitably experienced individual who would like to join our team and develop their skills and support the team in achieving high quality placements and outcomes for children. Knowledge of recent research in Adoption and a keen interest for its application is strongly welcomed and will be an important function within the role. An ability to work creatively and flexibly with a variety of other Agencies and Professionals is essential. It will be important to have good communication skills to engage people directly and over the phone and to have good IT skills in order to manage and record accurate case recordings. The Adoption Team is a supportive environment with plenty of opportunity for learning and reflective practice. You will receive formal and informal training in areas such as attachment and trauma. Following training and support, you will be required to undertake various roles within the team including a duty service which will be a ‘first point of contact' for enquirers providing information about adoption, to support families through Stage 1 of the adoption process and to assist Adoption Social Workers in providing training to prospective adopters. The post-holder is expected to work within organisational, policy and legislative requirement.  What we offer

A dynamic and responsive service – with opportunities to showcase talent and passion for quality work with children and families.

• Small teams groups of social workers, managed by a Practice Manager, supported by Advanced Practitioners
• Group supervision and peer learning, supported by the Principle Social Worker CIN specialist roles within the assessment team allowing focus on these most vulnerable children.
• Opportunities for CPD and training, with continued focus on developing the range of training for all roles and highlighting team members’ strengths and sharing of knowledge and skills.

Next Steps

For an informal discussion regarding this post please call Ben Albery (Practice Manager)

To apply upload your CV and covering letter explaining what makes you a great addition to our team and the skills you can bring to the role.

Where you are submitting a CV as your application, the following information is mandatory: All employment and precise dates must be included. (Any gaps must be explained if you are selected for interview)