Job Title: Social Worker – Adoption Team
Salary: £39,027 – £44,463 per annum (Plus Market Factor Supplement of £5,400 per annum*)
Grade: E
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
About the Department & Role
We have a vacancy in the Adoption Team and there is an exciting opportunity for an experienced childcare social worker to join our team. In this role you will have the opportunity to contribute to the culture, direction, delivery and performance of the Adoption Team in Thurrock and within our regional alliance with Adopt East. Here in Thurrock we place great significance on providing the best services for our children.
This team covers –
- the recruitment and assessment of prospective adopters (this includes delivering information events and preparing to adopt training)
- family finding for children with a plan for adoption
- family finding for prospective adopters and supporting them once a child is placed
- supporting birth parents with understanding adoption and what this means for them and their child
- undertaking assessment of need for post adoption and SGO cases
- identifying/commissioning appropriate post order support services
- supporting adopted adults to access their birth records
- non-agency and stepparent adoption assessments and reports to court
- developing partnership working with other LA’s and adoption agencies within Adopt East
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated Social Worker who is a good team player. Good adoption experience is preferred. However, the team are friendly and supportive so there will opportunities to learn and develop your knowledge and understanding of a new area of social work if adoption is new to you.
You will need to be at least 3 years post qualified and have statutory childcare experience. You will need to have good writing, communication and organisation skills.
Essential qualifications: Relevant social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England (SWE)
DBS Check: At Enhanced Level with Children’s Barred List is required for this post.
(*Market Factor Supplement is subject to annual review)
Benefits of Working with Us
At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Staff discounts and local offers
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
Important Dates
Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 26th March 2026
Closing Date (Internal & External): 6th April 2026
Interview Date: To Be Confirmed
Additional Information
If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact:
Sally Medbury – Team Manager
To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:
Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
Application Requirements
As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management is required for all Safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided (refer to the example document for guidance) and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application.
If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.
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Why Thurrock?
Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.
Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.
This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.
Our location
Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.
We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.
Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.
Staff benefits
We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.
Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.
We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.
For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council
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