At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adoptive families and children through direct contact and event organisation.
- Company: Join Adoption West, a leading agency dedicated to adoption services in the region.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, training opportunities, and a Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: A levels or equivalent experience, strong communication skills, and a driving licence required.
- Other info: Work from home options available, with a focus on personal growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 19029 - 20311 £ per year.
Salary: £19,029 - £20,311 per annum (based on working 25 hours per week)
Closing date: Monday 14 April 2025
Hours: 25 hours per week
Interview date: Thursday 24 April 2025
Location: Covering Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire, based in Gloucester alongside working from home.
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. As part of an internal restructure, we are developing a regional Adoption Support Team and have two new support worker posts. You will be joining an experienced team who is committed to developing excellent support services for adopted children and their families across the region.
Main Duties
The Support Worker post provides essential support to the Adoption Service activity. The tasks you will undertake include letter box and direct contact between adoptive families and birth families, direct work with children and young people, support to birth parents with letter writing, life-story work, direct work with adoptive families, organising events for adopters and children and the development of best practice.
You will need:
- A levels / National Diploma or equivalent experience/skills.
- Ability to prioritise tasks and work on own initiative against deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven negotiation skills especially when working with customers who may be upset and stressed.
- Self-sufficient in planning and organising own work, including recording, storing and retrieving required data and information.
- An awareness of Government initiatives in relation to Adoption best practice and procedures.
- To be an active team player by contributing to the development of the service, ensuring the customer is always at the centre of such developments.
- Good I.T. skills.
- Fluent in English.
- A driving licence and use of a vehicle as travelling around the region is required.
Adoption West 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. It provides support through supervision and training, offers flexible working arrangements, including job shares, and provides a Local Government Pension Scheme and access to the Child Care vouchers scheme.
If you have the experience, skills, knowledge and enthusiasm we are seeking and are looking for a new challenge then we look forward to hearing from you. To apply, please click the apply button and continue to the careers website to complete our online application form.
Adoption Support Worker in Gloucester employer: Adoption West
Contact Detail:
Adoption West Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Adoption Support Worker in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of adopted children and their families. Understanding the challenges they face will help you demonstrate your empathy and commitment during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Adoption West and its services thoroughly. Being able to discuss their recent initiatives or successes will show your genuine interest in the organisation and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your negotiation skills and ability to work under pressure. This role requires dealing with sensitive situations, so showcasing your relevant experience will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the adoption sector. Engaging with current or former employees of Adoption West on platforms like LinkedIn can provide valuable insights and potentially strengthen your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Adoption Support Worker in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Adoption Support Worker position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific duties.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience you have in social work, support roles, or working with children and families. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive situations and provide support.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are crucial for this role, ensure your application is well-written and free of errors. Consider including examples of how you've effectively communicated in challenging situations.
Express Enthusiasm for Adoption Services: Convey your passion for adoption services and your commitment to supporting adopted children and their families. This can be done in your cover letter by sharing why you are drawn to this field and how you can contribute to the team's goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Adoption West
✨Show Your Passion for Adoption
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working in adoption support. Share any personal experiences or motivations that led you to this field, as it will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the challenges faced by adoptive families.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Given the role's emphasis on communication with both adoptive families and birth families, prepare examples that showcase your excellent verbal and written communication skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated sensitive conversations in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Abilities
The job requires strong organisational skills, so come prepared to discuss how you prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively. You might want to share specific strategies or tools you use to stay organised, especially when working independently.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Best Practices
Research current government initiatives and best practices in adoption. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you are proactive and dedicated to providing the best support possible.