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: Flexible working, competitive salary, Local Government Pension Scheme, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive learning culture and excellent career development opportunities.
- 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: Part time / 18.5 hours per week
Contract: Up to 12 months
Closing date: 3rd September 2026 at 5pm
Interview date: 17th 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.
Temporary Adoption Support Social Worker for up to 12 months to support work on the Adoption Support Helpdesk which covers the Adoption West region.
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.
- 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.
For an informal discussion about this role please contact: Anjali Gupta: Anjlai.gupta@adoptionwest.co.uk or Anita Huggins: anita.huggins@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 in Bristol 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 in Bristol
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Wiltshire, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Wiltshire. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Wiltshire's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Wiltshire. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Wiltshire.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Wiltshire.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Adoption Support Social Worker at Wiltshire.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Wiltshire that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Adoption Support Social Worker role.
