At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adoptive families and assess their needs while providing therapeutic support.
- Company: Join Adoption West, a leading Regional Adoption Agency with a 'Good' Ofsted rating.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, training opportunities, and a Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a strong focus on professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while growing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Social Work Qualification and experience with children and families required.
Salary: Grade K £39,862 - £41,771 per annum, plus 8% market supplement (subject to review)
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Maternity cover
Closing date: 31st August 2026 at 5pm
Interview date: 8th September 2026
Location: Flexible. An office base in one of the offices within the Adoption West region (Bristol, Gloucester or Trowbridge) and 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, our functions going forward will be service led across the region, rather than office/hub based.
Main duties:
- Providing advice and support to adoptive families
- Assessing the support needs of adoptive families
- Working with children and families with complex needs
- Providing therapeutic support to families either directly or via ASF applications
You will need:
- A Social Work Qualification (degree or equivalent) and current registration with Social Work England
- 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
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.
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: Edith Walker edith.walker@adoptionwest.co.uk or Anjali Gupta Anjali.Gupta@AdoptionWest.co.uk. All candidates applying for Adoption West roles are assessed against the Behaviour Principles and Values during the interviewing process.
Adoption Support Social Worker employer: Wiltshire
Wiltshire Council is an excellent employer for aspiring lifeguards, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises safety and community engagement. With opportunities for career growth through NPLQ training and a commitment to employee development, you will find a rewarding role that not only enhances your skills but also allows you to make a positive impact in the lives of pool members. Join us in a vibrant location where teamwork and public service are at the heart of what we do.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Adoption Support Social Worker
✨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 Wiltshire.
✨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 Wiltshire!
✨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 Wiltshire, 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 Wiltshire or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
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 Wiltshire:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Wiltshire! 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 Wiltshire
✨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.
