At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adoptive families, answer enquiries, and provide essential information and guidance.
- Company: Join Adoption West, a leading Regional Adoption Agency with a strong commitment to support.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, Local Government Pension Scheme, and childcare vouchers.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of adopted children and their families.
- Qualifications: A levels or equivalent experience, excellent communication skills, and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Location: Flexible. An office base in one of the offices within the Adoption West region (Bristol, Gloucester or Trowbridge) and working from home.
This post is an exciting opportunity to become part of the Adoption West’s adoption Support Helpdesk
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.
You will be joining an experienced adoption support team who are committed to developing excellent support services for adopted children and their families across the region.
Main Duties
The Support Worker post will operate within the adoption support service.
The support worker will answer enquiries, provide support and undertake initial assessments for adoptive families contacting the Adoption Support Helpdesk.
The role will include supporting families in crisis, giving information about adoption support services and processes, signposting to external services (including education and health), giving advice about therapeutic parenting, liaising closely with the Senior Practitioner and Manager on a daily basis and undertaking allocated tasks as required.
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.
- Experience of working with children and/or families
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.
- 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
Additional Information
- 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 Principles and Values during the interviewing process.
- Role Description
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Adoption Support Worker - Adoption West in Bath employer: Bath & North East Somerset Council
Bath and North East Somerset Council is an excellent employer for Trauma-Informed Social Workers, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises professional development and collaboration. With strong leadership backing, extensive training opportunities, and relocation assistance, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children in care. The council's commitment to family-centred interventions ensures that staff are engaged in rewarding work that truly makes a difference in the community.
Contact Details:
Bath & North East Somerset Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Adoption Support Worker - Adoption West in Bath
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Bath & North East Somerset Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Bath & North East Somerset Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Bath & North East Somerset Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Bath & North East Somerset Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Adoption Support Worker - Adoption West in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Bath & North East Somerset Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Bath & North East Somerset Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bath & North East Somerset Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
