This is an exciting role at the heart of Lambeth's improvement programme, providing the central operational and advisory role for securing effective permanency for children across Lambeth Children's Social Care. You will act as the designated operational interface with Adopt London South Regional Adoption Agency (RAA) and serve as the statutory Agency Advisor providing quality assurance and advice to the Agency Decision Maker.
Lambeth is a borough of huge diversity, strength, and possibility, home to approximately 63,000 children aged 0-18. Despite the rich network of good and outstanding schools and beautiful green spaces, our children face significant challenges including placement sufficiency issues and sharp contrasts between wealth and poverty. There's plenty to get your teeth into in this incredibly exciting time to come and work in Lambeth.
Key responsibilities include:
For any queries about this vacancy, please contact Assistant Director Andrews Osei at AOsei1@lambeth.gov.uk. To apply, click the 'Apply' button and complete an online application form, explicitly evidencing in your Supporting Statement your experience and understanding of contextual safeguarding and community working. Please note we operate an anonymised application process - remove your personal details from your CV and replace with your unique candidate application number.
You must have the skills and qualities of a service leader, a problem solver and ability to maintain calmness when having difficult conversations about effective permanence for Lambeth Children. You must have what it takes to bring positive energy, enthusiasm, and passion to the role, with the tenacity to lead, shape and develop a team, bringing creativity and innovation to the way we work. The ideal candidate will:
Successful candidates will be asked to apply for an Enhanced Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and undertake a Cifas check from the Fraud Prevention organisation. We are a Stonewall diversity champion, a Living Wage Employer and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role.
Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community. Stretching from the dynamic neighbourhood of Streatham in the South to the iconic landmarks of Waterloo in the North, we are proud to be the 9th largest borough in London. Our diversity is our strength, with more than 130 languages spoken, making Lambeth the home of the Windrush generation, London's largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese-speaking community.
With exceptional schools, lush green spaces including Brockwell Park, cultural gems like the Black Cultural Archives, and world-renowned institutions such as St Thomas's Hospital, Lambeth offers an enriching and dynamic environment. The Civic Centre is just a short walk from the main underground and train station.
“Lambeth – a borough with social and climate justice at its heart. By harnessing the power and pride of our people and partnerships, we will proactively tackle inequalities so that children and young people can have the best start in life and so everyone can feel safe and thrive in a place of opportunity.”
In Lambeth, we offer our social workers: