At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise social workers and enhance adoption support services for families.
- Company: Join Adoption West, a leading Regional Adoption Agency with a 'Good' Ofsted rating.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, and a supportive learning culture.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity with excellent career development in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of adoptive families while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and two years of relevant adoption experience required.
The predicted salary is between 46142 - 48226 £ per year.
Location: Flexible. An office base in one of the offices within the Adoption West region (Bristol, Gloucester or Trowbridge) with options for working from home.
Salary: Grade M £46,142 - £48,226 per annum, plus 5% market supplement (subject to review).
Contract: 18 months fixed term.
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week.
About 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 our solid foundations and ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted. As part of an internal restructure, our functions will be service-led across the region rather than office/hub based.
Responsibilities:
- Supervise Adoption Support social workers in assessing the support needs of adoptive families.
- Contribute to developing and improving the Adoption Support services across the region.
- Deputise in the absence of the Team manager.
Qualifications:
- A Social Work qualification (degree or equivalent) and current registration with Social Work England.
- At least two years of experience relevant to adoption within the past five years.
- In-depth knowledge and experience of childcare law and practice.
- Ability to analyse complex information to make recommendations and informed decisions.
Benefits and Support:
- Organisation with a learning culture committed to enabling the post holder to grow and develop.
- Support through supervision and training.
- Flexible working arrangements, including job shares.
- 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.
Deputy Team Manager - Adoption Support - Adoption West in Bristol employer: Bristol City Council
Adoption West is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a supportive and flexible work environment. With a strong commitment to learning, staff benefit from comprehensive training and supervision, alongside the opportunity to work from various locations in the beautiful South West region. Joining Adoption West means being part of a dedicated team that makes a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families, all while enjoying a competitive salary and excellent benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Team Manager - Adoption Support - Adoption West in Bristol
✨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 Bristol City 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 Bristol City 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 Bristol City 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 Bristol City 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 Deputy Team Manager - Adoption Support - Adoption West in Bristol
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 Bristol City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Bristol City 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 Bristol City 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.
