Independent Social Worker

Independent Social Worker – Adoption Matters – York (with travel to surrounding areas)

Location: Hybrid / York

Closing date: 09:00 on Monday 12th October 2026

Interview date: TBC

Pay and Work Allocation: The rate will be £2,000 for a full assessment including attendance at virtual supervision sessions and panel (in person/virtual). Plus, mileage at 45p/mile (for the first 10,000 miles driven in the tax year). The person is required to be located in the North East, York with the ability to travel to surrounding areas. The hourly rate for any additional work thereafter is at £26.50 per hour.

We are looking for an independent social worker who has the ability to work with children, young people, and adults, including people with disabilities, on a self-employed basis.

About us

Adoption Matters is a children’s charity and one of the largest voluntary adoption agencies in the UK. We recruit, train and support individuals, couples and families looking to adopt and offer ongoing support and training. We also offer a support service for adopted adults and birth families, and a specialised therapy service.

In 2024, we launched our not-for-profit fostering agency, Foster Care Matters. As a non-profit provider, the service is committed to reinvesting resources to deliver high-quality support and ongoing training for foster parents. More recently in 2026, we acquired 1st Affinity Fostering Service in Wrexham, securing a not-for-profit future for the agency in Wales.

The self-employed social worker will carry out work as required to enable the agency to provide a comprehensive adoption service.

Make a difference and play a pivotal role in ensuring the charity delivers meaningful outcomes.

What We’re Looking For…

Experience and Qualifications

• Adoption experience of children’s social care adoption work, including experience of assessing and supporting adoptive families is essential.
• A minimum of three years’ adoption experience is required, including prospective Adopter Report (PAR) assessments, Adoption support work and inter-agency working is desirable.
• Experience of delivering group work is desirable, such as Adopter Preparation Groups, Support Groups and Children’s Groups.
• A qualified Social Worker, with a Diploma in Social Work, CQSW or an equivalent qualification, is essential. Must have eligibility to register with Social Work England, this is essential.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Adoption & Children Act 2002 and Associated Guidance & Regulations
• Knowledge of child development & family functioning & dysfunctioning.
• Awareness of current adoption and childcare research and experience of applying it in practice.
• Knowledge of Adoption Matters or an interest in finding out about the agency and how it operates.

Ability to carry out

• Recruitment, preparation, and assessment of prospective families for children referred to the agency, including presentation of PARs at panel meetings.
• Provide good liaison with care agencies in order to match suitable children with approved applicants and in co-operation with the placing agency to support the applicants both pre and post placement, including where necessary post adoption.
• To attend planning meetings, reviews, and court, as necessary.
• To offer advice and, where appropriate, counselling to birth parents and extended families, adoptive parents and extended families and adoptees.
• Engage in work activities as part of a team expanding its philosophy and its commitment in the field of adoption and permanency and to share in the agency’s development plans.
• To comply with the agency’s statutory obligations, including adoption and safeguarding of children.
• To share the agency’s commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement

At Adoption Matters, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our ambition is to create a culture that embraces diversity, promotes equality, and ensures inclusion for all.

Our commitments

Equality: We strive to provide equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of background, identity, or personal circumstances. We are dedicated to eliminating discrimination and bias in all forms.

Diversity: We celebrate the diverse perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our organisation. We believe diversity drives innovation and strengthens our community.

Inclusion: We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and supported. We actively work to remove barriers and ensure all voices are heard and valued.

We are open to discussions about any adjustments or flexible arrangements you may need at any stage of the process. If you join us, we will support you to reach your full potential. The only aspect we assess in your application is how you have demonstrated your ability to meet the essential requirements of the role.

What’s next? It’s easy!

Follow the instructions below to apply — we can’t wait to hear from you!

How to apply

To apply for this opportunity, please:

Download and complete the Self-Employed Contractor Form, along with our Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form. Once you have done this, please submit them with a detailed CV outlining your career history, relevant experience, and key achievements to the email address listed below.

Please send your completed application form and CV by email to recruitment@adoptionmatters.org.uk.

We look forward to receiving your application. Applications are reviewed throughout the advertising period, and we reserve the right to close this advert early depending on recruitment needs.

Post: FAO HR Department Adoption Matters 14 Liverpool Road Chester, CH2 1AE

If you require further information, please contact the HR team on 01244 390 938.

Adoption Matters is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Our recruitment process includes DBS checks and other relevant pre-employment checks, including the right to work in the UK. Anyone joining the Adoption Matters team is subject to safer recruitment checks. Please refer to our Safeguarding Policy available here

Please note that we can only contact candidates selected for interview and we are unable to provide feedback on individual applications.