Team Manager - Adoption Support and SafeBase

Team Manager, Adoption Support and SafeBase

Head Office, Manchester M15

Salary: £33,069 - £36,513 (After Adoption Pay Point 49 to 54) Pro rata

Hours: 21 hours per week

After Adoption provides lifelong support to anyone affected by adoption, delivering high quality services to the people who need them. Our reputation is built on over 25 years’ experience and we make a real difference to the lives of many. Our innovative and award-winning services include:

• Therapeutic Adoption Support Services, including SafeBase, our therapeutic parenting programme developed to equip parents with the skills and techniques to parent children who have been adopted from care.
• Families that Last, our family finding service for the children who wait longest in the care system.
• BirthTies, which provides advice, support and counselling to birth family members.
• ReUnite, a service to help people reconnect with family members separated by adoption.
• TalkAdoption, for adopted young people to enable them to share experiences and be supported. This also includes a therapeutic residential short break offer.

After Adoption is an inspirationally-led and people-centred organisation with Investors in People (IIP) Gold Award. We are:

• Passionate about making a difference and changing lives
• Creative in our approach
• Vibrant, dynamic and innovative
• Always trying to do things better
• Honest and open

We nurture talent, celebrate and reward success and value diversity

The Role

This is a fantastic opportunity to work with After Adoption. Alongside the Service Manager and National Manager, you will help develop, deliver and co-ordinate the provision of Adoption Support Services. You will take a lead in service provision in the North West Region, support staff and co-ordinate the work of the team. You will also be responsible for deputising as appropriate for all of the functions of the National Manager.

Our SafeBase service supports adoptive parents and carers to understand their child's behaviour and strengthen attachments and relationships within the family. We are looking for someone with experience in working with children and adults and who has a good understanding of how adoption affects all parties. You will also facilitate our successful SafeBase Parenting Programmes and undertake family observation assessments as part of the programme. Good communication skills and assessment/report writing are essential.

Planning and implementing programmes for introductions for children to their adoptive families and co-ordinating post-placement support programmes in conjunction with After Adoption’s regional adoption support teams will also be a key part of the role.

The successful candidate will have:

• Relevant qualifications with children and families e.g. Social Workers, Youth Workers, Teachers, Therapist
• Experience of working with children and families
• Supporting permanent placements, i.e. involvement in supporting adoptive / foster families post placement
• Supervisory experience
• A good knowledge of the Adoption and Children's Act and accompanying guidance and all secondary legislation. 

If you are passionate about helping others and making a difference, and want to play a role in driving forward the work of After Adoption, then get in touch. In return you can expect:

• Matched employers contribution to a group pension scheme (to a maximum of 6%)
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Your achievements to be acknowledged through our Reward and Recognition Scheme
• Family friendly policies and flexible working via credit time

Closing date: Thursday 24th September 2017

TO APPLY AND FOR MORE INFORMATION:

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website. 

Applicants will be subject to verification and vetting checks related to child protection and safeguarding matters. These include references covering a five-year period, medical fitness checks, qualification status/registration, identity checks and Enhanced DBS checks as laid down by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

After Adoption reserves the right to close adverts early for particular reasons. Adverts will therefore close at midnight; either on the advertised closing date, or the day the decision has been taken to remove the advert early. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit applications at their earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

After Adoption a registered charity number 1000888 is an equal opportunities employer.

No agencies please.