Adoption Social Worker - Adoption West

Adoption West is a Regional Adoption Agency and registered Voluntary Adoption Agency commissioned by Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Councils.  Adoption West provides a range of adoption services including: -

• The recruitment and assessment of prospective adopters.
• Family finding services for children requiring permanency via adoption. 
• Post adoption support services.
• Services to birth family and adopted adults. 

This is an exciting time to join Adoption West as we build on the solid foundations already in place and our ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted. 

This role is in our Recruitment & Assessment Team.

• Recruiting, preparing and assessing prospective adopters.
• Linking and matching approved adopters with children.
• Supporting prospective adopters following the placement of children & up until the point an Adoption Order is granted. 
• Preparing reports for adoption panel and court.
• Assessing and supporting Early Permanence carers.
• Providing duty support across the region.
• Assessing non-agency adopters (previously stepparent approvals).

• A Social Work Qualification (degree or equivalent) and current registration with Social   Work England (this is an essential requirement) 
• Experience of working as a Social Worker or having had a student social work placement with children and families
• An understanding of early life experiences such as trauma or abuse and the impact they can have on children and young people throughout their lives
• The ability to analyse complex information to make recommendations and informed   decisions
• The ability to work both as part of a team, sharing knowledge and managing cases
• The ability to use your own initiative and work independently
• Experience of managing your own caseload and working to deadlines

These posts require you to work flexibly and juggle a busy caseload.  You will need to be able to travel around the area and must be able to drive and have access to your own vehicle.

You will report to the Deputy Team Manager and contribute to the delivery and development of effective adoption services, in accordance with Adoption Standards and Regulations.

Interview date: 17th July 2024

Location: Flexible. An office base in one of the offices within the Adoption West region (Bristol, Gloucester or Trowbridge) and working from home. We particularly welcome applicants from Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

• is an organisation with a wealth of experience and has a learning culture committed to enabling the post holder to grow and develop in their role. 
• provides support through supervision and training. 
• offers flexible working arrangements, including job shares.
• provides a Local Government Pension Scheme and access to the Child Care vouchers scheme.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact:

Jane Priborsky – Team Manager (Monday - Wednesday) -  07701363574

Jen Brennan – Team Manager (Thursday – Friday) 07394569557

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and will require an Enhanced DBS check before appointment can be confirmed.

Confidentiality: Employees are expected to maintain the required level of confidentiality at all times in relation to their work.

All candidates applying for Adoption West roles are assessed against the Behaviour Principals and Values during the interviewing process.