Job Description

Adoption Panel Advisor

Location: Shropshire (Hybrid Working)
Hourly Rate: £33.30 per hour
Position Type: Part-Time, Agency (18.5 hours per week)
For more information, please contact Emily Cooper on (phone number removed) or email (url removed).

About the Role:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Adoption Panel Advisor to join our team on a part-time agency basis. This role is integral to the successful functioning of the Regional Adoption Panels within the Together4Children Regional Permanency Arrangement. The postholder will be responsible for delivering high-quality professional advice, quality assurance, and support for the Regional Adoption Panels across the region.

This is a hybrid working role, with the majority of the work carried out remotely. However, you will be required to attend the office on occasion for panel meetings and other duties as necessary.

Key Responsibilities:

• Panel Delivery & Quality Assurance: Ensure the effective delivery, management, and quality assurance of Regional Adoption Panels. Provide high-quality professional advice, guidance, and support to panel members and Agency Decision Makers (ADM).
• Legal & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with the relevant legislation, regulations, and procedures in relation to Adoption Panels, including providing complex legal and procedural advice to the ADM and Social Work Teams.
• Casework Support: Provide professional challenge and constructive feedback to Social Workers, Team Managers, Senior Managers, and the ADM on adoption-related matters. Quality assure Child s Permanence Reports (CPRs) and Care Plans, particularly where adoption is the Care Plan.
• Panel Member Support: Support the recruitment, induction, training, and annual appraisal of panel members, ensuring they meet the necessary qualifications, skills, and knowledge required to fulfil their role effectively.
• Safeguarding & Compliance: Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed, and maintain case records in line with local authority policies and procedures.
• Collaboration & Consultation: Work collaboratively with Local Authorities and other stakeholders, providing professional advice and support in line with the Together4Children Regional Permanency Arrangement.
• Continued Professional Development: Keep up to date with changes to legislation, guidance, and best practices, ensuring your advice is informed by current standards.
• Equal Opportunities & Anti-Discriminatory Practice: Demonstrate a strong understanding of equality and anti-discriminatory practices, applying these principles in all areas of the role.
  
  

Essential Criteria:

• Significant experience working in adoption services, preferably within an Adoption Panel Advisor role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of adoption legislation, guidance, and best practice.
• Proven experience in providing high-quality professional advice and guidance to social workers, managers, and decision-makers.
• Ability to challenge practices effectively and constructively.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures and child protection protocols.
• Experience in the recruitment, training, and appraisal of adoption panel members.
• Social Work England (SWE) registration is required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a remote working environment.
• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills, with proficiency in maintaining both manual and electronic case files.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A commitment to upholding equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices.

Working Hours & Pay:

• Part-Time: 18.5 hours per week
• Hourly Rate: £33.30 per hour
• This is a hybrid role, with the majority of the work being conducted remotely. Occasional office attendance will be required for panel meetings and other duties.

How to Apply:

For more information, please contact Emily Cooper on (phone number removed) or email (url removed).