Childrens Senior Practitioner – Adoption Team – #OR111276

Job Description

Thurrock Council is seeking a qualified and experienced Senior Practitioner to join its Adoption Team, based at the Civic Offices in Grays, Essex. This is a locum role paying £26.63–£34.80 per hour via Prism, starting 3 September 2026.

The Adoption Team operates across a broad range of work including the recruitment and assessment of prospective adopters, delivering information events and Prepare to Adopt training, family finding for children with a plan for adoption, and supporting prospective adopters once a child is placed. The team also supports birth parents in understanding the adoption process, undertakes assessments of need for post-adoption and SGO cases, identifies and commissions post-order support services, supports adopted adults accessing their birth records, and completes non-agency and stepparent adoption assessments and court reports. The team works in partnership with other local authorities and adoption agencies within the Adopt East regional arrangement.

Candidates must be qualified social workers registered with Social Work England, with a minimum of three years post-qualification experience, statutory childcare experience, and demonstrable experience within an adoption team. Strong written communication and organisational skills are essential, as is an enhanced DBS check.

If you are an enthusiastic and motivated adoption specialist looking for your next locum opportunity in Essex, please get in touch today.

What’s on offer:

* Excellent, competitive pay rates – paid weekly
* Supportive management team with approachable, experienced leaders
* A desirable location with great transport links
* A stable, well-resourced, and encouraging working environment

Why join Semester.co.uk?

* Free ongoing CPD and training opportunities to enhance your skills
* Competitive rates of pay with prompt, reliable payments through our in-house payroll
* Enhanced DBS processing included
* Dedicated, friendly consultant offering tailored support
* Access to a wide range of opportunities in your chosen location

Ready to take the next step? Click ‘Apply’ now to express your interest in this role, or explore other exciting opportunities with Semester.co.uk.