Service Manager Adoption (CDC)

Based at: Civic Office, Doncaster but able to work from offices across South Yorkshire

Salary details: Grade 12, £60,938 - £64,789 pro rata

Contract Type: Permanent; Part time

Hours: 18.5 hours per week

Flexible working arrangements: Hybrid working with 3 days a week office presence.

Closing date: 7th October 2026

Enhanced with barred list DBS Disclosure is required for appointment to this post.

Are you motivated to contribute and learn in a dynamic environment? We have an opportunity for you. In this role, you will play an important part in delivering positive outcomes for our children and families.

An exciting opportunity has arisen due to the retirement of the current postholder to join the Senior Management Team at One Adoption South Yorkshire. The role is part time and the post will have oversight of the Family Finding workstream and the Adoption Panel Advisors across South Yorkshire.

The successful applicant will be a Social Worker with considerable experience of adoption work and also management experience.

You will lead the ongoing development of the Family Finding services following the implementation of a review which has seen the service recently align under the 3 main workstreams of Adoption support, Family Finding and Recruitment and Assessment of Adopters.

As such it is an exciting time to join the service with significant development opportunities.

The post holder will need to be able to travel to the 4 Local Authority areas of South Yorkshire as staff are based in each of these localities and as a service we are committed to our work being relationship based so whilst there is opportunity to work flexibly there is also an expectation that senior managers are present in offices at least 3 days per week.

We value a range of experiences and skills. If you have transferable skills from other roles or voluntary work, we encourage you to apply.

The family finding workstream are highly motivated to ensure that children with a plan for adoption achieve that goal in a timely way.

The new team is in the early stages of building relationships and learning to work across a wider geography than previously but they are embracing the changes and delivering a high standard of service.

We are passionate about achieving Early Permanence for children wherever possible and the culture of One Adoption South Yorkshire includes maintaining a close working relationship with our partner Local Authorities to achieve that.

We welcome and embrace diversity and would like our workforce to better represent the community around us.

In return for your contribution, we offer:

• Competitive leave entitlement
• Generous local government pension scheme
• Wellbeing support and staff networks
• Development and training opportunities
• Staff discounts and benefits schemes
• More information on benefits can be found in the attached benefits booklet.

Please review the job summary and profile and demonstrate in your application how you meet the required criteria.

Shortlisting and interviews are to be confirmed.

For further details or an informal chat, please contact: Karen Barrick

Email: karen.barrick@doncaster.gov.uk

We encourage applicants to use their own words to reflect their experience and skills and over-reliance on AI is discouraged.

The Advance Employment Team offers personalised support to help you take your next step into work. From building your CV and getting the right interview skills to accessing a wide range of free courses, the team will help you grow your skills and confidence and find a job you’ll enjoy. Get in touch by email (advanceemploymenthub@doncaster.gov.uk) or visit the Advance website (www.advancedoncaster.co.uk) to discover the support available.

City of Doncaster Council is committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and improving quality of life for all. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults.

We are a Disability Confident employer and committed to a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We offer interviews to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria and make reasonable adjustments as required.

This post involves working with children and therefore if successful you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service records check at an enhanced level. Further information about the Disclosure Scheme can be found at www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check