Children and Families is recognised as a service in which social work can develop and prosper, with a culture of collaboration, integrity and compassion; promoting development and wellbeing of children, young people and their families; protecting them from neglect and abuse. Working together with partners delivering a range of early help, family support and effective social work interventions which build resilience, remove barriers and enable children and young people to look forward to a brighter future.

The Senior Practitioner in the North Adoption Team, based in Colchester, would take a lead on adoption family finding in the team. This role requires the post holder to undertake sibling assessments, direct work with children who have a permanence plan for adoption, conducting family finding and matching, adoption support planning, managing the transitions process and providing birth parent support. There is also opportunity to undertake prospective adopter assessments and to get involved in training for adopters.

This is a stimulating role where a practitioner has the opportunity to develop and expand skills over a wide range whilst also able to specialise in a specific area. Our practice is informed by current research for instance on contact, transitions and trauma. Whilst the post holder will work with colleagues in the other adoption teams in Essex, there will also be the opportunity to liaise with colleagues in the Adopt East alliance.

You will be joining a small, friendly and welcoming team who is keen to help new team members settle into their role. You will receive monthly supervision to enhance your skill and experience and to manage the workload. Previous experience in working with children and families would provide opportunity to further skills acquired in such roles. Practitioners in the team remain for a significant period of time due to the stimulating nature of the work or when they move on, it is to posts that acknowledge the depth of skill and experience acquired in this role.

Skills and Knowledge

* A diploma or degree in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent
* Registration with Social Work England as a registered social worker.
* Be able to demonstrable capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards e.g. Professional Capability Framework (PCF), Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS)
* Experience or a good understanding of working within Children and Family/Fostering services
* Experience of direct work with children
Experience or good understanding of permanency care planning for children
* Court experience preferable
* Understanding impact of neglect/abuse and trauma on children
* Flexible working is required with occasional out of county work
* Experience of Writing in-depth analytical reports.
Open to change and ready to innovate, you will be keen to join an environment where you can stretch yourself professionally, make an impact individually and deliver positive outcomes collaboratively

The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond, transporting service users and their belongings and to be able to do so in an emergency. Driving licence and car or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.

Essex County Council is proud to offer an excellent benefits package to all its employees.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity is key to our success.

If you have any queries regarding this role, or require anything further, please contact the Recruitment Team on 03330135888 or email