Adoption Panel Advisor at East Sussex County Council

Lewes, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

28 Jun, 26

Salary

56737.0

Posted On

30 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Social Work Qualification, Post-Qualifying Experience, Regulatory Framework Advice, Adoption Practice Standards, Panel Management, Volunteer Management, Induction, Training, Liaison, Solutions Focussed, Proportionate, Flexible Working, Evidence-Based Practice

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Do you want to make a difference to the lives of young people and their adoptive families, have a recognised social work qualification and relevant post-qualifying experience? We are looking for an Adoption Panel Advisor to join our regional adoption agency and work alongside a team consisting of an Agency Advisor supervising two part-time panel advisors. As an Adoption Panel Advisor, you will share overall responsibility for the functioning of the Adoption South East Adoption Panels, providing professional advice on the regulatory framework and adoption practice standards to Social Workers and Managers presenting recommendations on prospective adopter approvals, matches and children with adoption plans by consent to our ASE Panels. There will also be opportunities to provide consultations to social workers and contribute to the development of practice, policy and training in the region. You will be well supported through regular individual and group supervision with opportunities for support and training to enable your own professional development. On average you will be responsible for one half day adoption panel a fortnight. The role can be undertaken largely on a virtual basis but as our panels run on a Tuesday or Wednesday you would need to be available to work on those days to attend the panels. Ideally you will be available to work flexibly on occasion to cover your team’s annual leave. Adoption South East is the Regional Adoption Agency created by a strong and creative partnership between West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, East Sussex and Surrey Councils. We work together to provide adoption services across our region and have a commitment to inclusive and anti-oppressive practice and supporting our Adoption South East and Local Authority colleagues to continue to develop evidence- based practice which enables children to be placed safely in well-supported adoptive families. The Adoption Panel Service considers the work of the Adoption Agency in recruiting prospective adoptive parents and matching children with approved families to ensure that decisions made about children and families are robust and evidence based. You will work closely with Social Workers in Adoption South East and our Local Authority partners, Panel Members, Panel Chairs and Agency Decision Makers. You will be solutions focussed, proportionate and flexible, ensuring that you contribute to the quality and timeliness of the work that is presented to Adoption Panels and the Agency Decision Makers. We are looking for candidates who: * Are confident in giving advice to the adoption panel on the regulatory framework and adoption practice standards * Can manage the members and functions of an Adoption Panel, ensuring that the panel functions to a high standard and effectively. * Can support the central list of panel members and undertake their annual appraisals as well as investing in their continued development as volunteers, recruiting, inducting and training Adoption Panel Members. * Have a good of knowledge of regulatory and practice issues in adoption. * Can liaise with practice representatives from across the ASE Partnership To apply, please upload your CV and a supporting statement. When writing your supporting statement be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education or personal interests. Please download the job description and person specification [https://fa-euru-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/cs/groups/public/documents/document/yta4/mzu0/~edisp/ucmfa08354508.docx] for more information. For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page [https://fa-euru-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/External/pages/10005] and our statement on the use of AI [https://fa-euru-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/External/pages/23001]. Interviews will take place in person at County Hall in Lewes, East Sussex. The interview date is TBC but will likely be the week of 27th April 2026. If you are unavailable during this week let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date to interview you. Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page [https://fa-euru-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/External/pages/10009] for details. We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page [https://fa-euru-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/External/pages/11003]. For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Michael Wilson, Head of Service, michael.wilson@eastsussex.gov.uk [michael.wilson@eastsussex.gov.uk] For Work that makes a difference Additional Information This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record [https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record]. Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad. Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only. If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas [https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas] If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.

Responsibilities

The Advisor shares responsibility for the functioning of the Adoption Panels, providing professional advice on regulatory frameworks and practice standards to staff presenting recommendations on adoptions. Responsibilities also include supporting panel members through appraisals, recruitment, induction, and training, alongside contributing to practice development.