At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a multidisciplinary team to enhance therapeutic support for adopted children and families.
- Company: Adoption West, a forward-thinking Regional Adoption Agency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to continuous learning and meaningful change.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on children's lives through innovative therapeutic practices.
- Qualifications: Professional Social Work qualification and experience in therapeutic interventions.
The predicted salary is between 31164 - 32402 € per year.
Salary: 52,413 - 54,495 pro rata (31,164 - 32,402 per annum) pay award pending
Hours: Part time / 22 hours per week (flexible working considered)
Contract: 18 months fixed term (with potential for extension)
Closing date: 27th May 2026
Interviews: 5th June 2026
Location: Working across six local authorities with hybrid working arrangements
An Exciting New Opportunity to Shape Therapeutic Practice in Adoption
Adoption West is a Regional Adoption Agency for BANES Council, Bristol City Council, Gloucestershire County Council, North Somerset Council, Sth Glos Council and Wiltshire Council. Funded by Adoption England, Adoption West is now in a position to develop a Multidisciplinary Team which will include clinical psychologists and therapeutic social workers. The team will enhance the therapeutic support offered to adopted children and their families in the region.
We are seeking to recruit a suitably qualified and experienced Team Manager to lead this exciting new development. Multidisciplinary teams are part of a national initiative to improve and extend the scope of adoption support services, funded for 18 months there is strong ambition at national and local level to extend and embed the role as a permanent part of our service. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on children's lives by implementing early and timely trauma-informed approaches and enhancing support for adoptive families.
We're looking for a passionate and experienced social worker manager who thrives on collaboration, creativity, with the leadership qualities to take this initiative forward.
Key Responsibilities:- Manage the overall work of the multidisciplinary team, managing referrals to the team, allocating work and managing the overall capacity of the team.
- Deliver specialist, evidence-based interventions for children and adoptive parents, both pre- and post-adoption order, using innovative and engaging approaches.
- Act as the main contact person for the adoption team in relation to complex adoption matters, using expert knowledge and experience to provide information, guidance and be the final decision maker ensuring the best and most appropriate outcome for service users.
- Take strategic and operational lead in developing the multidisciplinary team and its connections with the wider service and to support the service director in the production of the adoption service plan.
- Maintain up to date data on adoption support services and to provide regular management information reports to the Service Director to assist in Adoption West's reporting responsibilities to the Adoption Leadership Board.
- Secure the effective involvement of parents/carers, children and young people in the development and evaluation of adoption services.
- Professional Social Work qualification e.g., Degree in Social Work/Dip SW/CQSW equivalent
- Social Work England registered social worker
- Qualification in a therapeutic model/practice relevant to children who experienced developmental trauma e.g., dyadic developmental psychotherapy (DDP), therapeutic life story work, cognitive behavioural approaches, systemic theory. The level of qualification needs to meet the requirement for the associated professional body.
- Experience of working with parents, children, and families in therapeutic interventions, particularly those who have experienced developmental trauma and loss
- Strong understanding of adoption and permanency issues
- Excellent communication (written and verbal), consultation, and collaborative working skills
- Commitment to innovation, service development, and positive outcomes
This role offers a rare chance to shape therapeutic practice within a Regional Adoption Agency and contribute to meaningful change for children and families. You'll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team committed to continuous learning and improvement. As well as being part of the Adoption West team, appropriate clinical supervision will be provided.
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.
For an informal discussion about this role please contact: Alison Lewis, Service Director
All candidates applying for Adoption West roles are assessed against the Behaviour Principles and Values during the interviewing process.
Adoption Manager in England employer: Wiltshire Council
Adoption West is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary team dedicated to enhancing therapeutic support for adopted children and their families across six local authorities in the Bristol area. With a strong commitment to innovation and professional development, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, ongoing clinical supervision, and a collaborative work culture that prioritises meaningful change and positive outcomes for those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Adoption Manager in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the adoption and social work sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Adoption West and understand their mission and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around therapeutic practices. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. Talk about your innovative approaches and how you’ve collaborated with others to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Adoption West and making a real impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Adoption Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Adoption Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working in adoption and supporting families shine through in your written application. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in children's lives!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically so we can easily see your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of adoption practices and trauma-informed approaches. Familiarise yourself with the specific therapeutic models mentioned in the job description, like dyadic developmental psychotherapy. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Team Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership qualities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a team or led a project. Highlight how you foster collaboration and creativity within your team, as this is key for the role.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don't just wait for questions; engage with the interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current practices and how they envision the multidisciplinary team evolving. This shows your interest in the role and your proactive approach to shaping the future of adoption support services.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Outcomes
Prepare to talk about the positive outcomes you've achieved in previous roles, especially those related to working with children and families who have experienced trauma. Use specific examples to illustrate how your interventions made a difference, as this aligns perfectly with the goals of Adoption West.
