Adoption Panel and Agency Advisor

Adopt Thames Valley (ATV) is a Regional Adoption Agency and has been formed by Bracknell Forest, Oxfordshire, Reading, Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, Swindon, West Berkshire and Wokingham. It is hosted by Oxfordshire County Council with offices in Oxford, Swindon and Woodley (Berks). Main duties of the job This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the continued development of Adopt Thames Valley (ATV) Regional. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Adoption Panel & Agency Advisor to ensure the smooth running of ATV Panels. The successful candidate will provide professional advice to the Adoption and Permanence Panels and to the Agency Decision Maker to ensure that a high-quality adoption service is provided by Adopt Thames Valley in compliance with the appropriate National Minimum Standards, regulations and all relevant legislation. As a member of the adoption management team, you will play a key role in development of the service to meet the current and future adoption landscape. About us You will need to be a qualified social worker, SWE registered, with significant post qualification experience and some management experience. You will have a detailed knowledge and understanding of legislation and adoption and permanence issues and of what constitutes good outcomes for children we care for. You will have strong interpersonal skills and be a sound communicator, including report writing and presentation skills. Job responsibilities Provide professional advice to the Adoption and Permanence Panels and to the Agency Decision Maker to ensure that a high-quality adoption service is provided by Adopt Thames Valley in compliance with the appropriate National Minimum Standards, regulations and all relevant legislation. Rewards and benefits Culture of flexible working Technology to support agile working where role permits Up to 32 days holiday per year plus bank holidays Option to buy additional holiday Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employers contribution of up to 19.9% and life assurance. Enhanced family friendly policies Local and national discounts for shopping and travel Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development Our commitment to: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all. Our commitment to: Guaranteed Interview Schemes As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service. Our commitment to: Safeguarding Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments. Our commitment to: Flexible Working We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. Follow us on Social Media Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact: teresa.rogers@oxfordshire.gov.uk Person Specification General Requirements Please refer to job description above Please refer to job description above Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. #J-18808-Ljbffr