Fostering/Adoption Panel Adviser

Job description

Fostering/Adoption Panel Adviser

Salary

£44,075 - £49,282 per annum

Type of vacancy

Fixed Term

Work pattern

Full Time

Duration (Months)

12

Hours per week

37

Work Base

Trent Bridge House, West Bridgford, NG2 6BJ

Working Arrangements

Hybrid

Job Description / Person Specification

Competency Framework

Number of posts

3

Interview date

15 September 2026

Closing Date

06 September 2026 23:55

The Children and Families Department takes a strengths-based approach to working with each other, children, young people and families, and our partner agencies. We call this 'Our Nottinghamshire Approach'. Watch the two minute animation to learn more.

Join Nottinghamshire County Council, a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact in the lives of children and families. We believe in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community.

Are you passionate about achieving the best outcomes for children and families? This is an exciting opportunity to join Adoption East Midlands to play a pivotal role in shaping high-quality fostering and adoption panels. Working at the heart of the decision-making process, you will provide expert advice to panels, champion best practice, and ensure compliance with legislation, standards, and agency policies. You'll collaborate with social workers, senior leaders, panel members, and the Agency Decision Maker to drive excellence, support robust and informed decisions, and continuously improve service delivery. This rewarding role offers the chance to influence positive change, promote high professional standards, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people while working within a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

As a Fostering/Adoption Panel Adviser, your key responsibilities will include:

• Providing expert advice to fostering and adoption panels.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and agency policies.
• Contributing to the effective managment of fostering and adoption panels
• Collaborating with social workers and senior leaders to support informed decision-making.
• Championing best practices in fostering and adoption services.
• Engaging in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery.

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• A BA in Social Work or an equivalent social work qualification.
• Registration with Social Work England.
• At least 5 years post qualified experience, which must include experience working within fostering and/or adoption.
• A solid understanding of attachment theory and the impact of developmental trauma on children.
• Experience in statutory social work with children and families.

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• A commitment to excellent customer care and service delivery.
• The ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

At Nottinghamshire County Council, we offer:

• A place to belong: a friendly, inclusive workplace where everyone is valued.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• A supportive environment that prioritises your well-being.
• Flexible working arrangements to help you balance work and life.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and families. If you are ready to take on this rewarding challenge, apply today and be part of a team that is rooted in community!

For an informal discussion about this opportunity please contact Laura Poxon on 07779429255 or by email [email protected].

This post is also available as a secondment opportunity to existing Nottinghamshire County Council employees. You must seek approval from your line manager before applying.

Appointment to this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Nottinghamshire County Council strives to ensure that it goes beyond the requirements of the Equalities Act and prides itself on being accredited as a Disability Confident Leader Organisation.

Under the (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme) we would like to ensure applicants with disabilities are offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for a job. Please let us know if this is something you would like to be considered for.

A job share scheme is available for all full-time posts: both permanent and temporary, unless otherwise stated.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks.

Nottinghamshire County Council strongly encourages applications from all candidates from different walks of life, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity status, age or sexual orientation.