At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide specialist support to adopted children and families using innovative therapeutic approaches.
- Company: Join Adoption West, a pioneering Regional Adoption Agency making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to continuous learning and improvement.
- Why this job: Shape therapeutic practices and create lasting change for children and families in need.
- Qualifications: Social Work degree and experience with therapeutic interventions for children facing trauma.
The predicted salary is between 42839 - 45091 € per year.
Salary: Grade L £42,839 - £45,091 (pro rata for part time) pay award pending
Hours: Full time/part time
Contract: 18 months fixed term (with potential for extension)
Closing date: 8th June 2026
Interviews: 22nd June 2026
Location: Working across six local authorities with hybrid working arrangements
An exciting opportunity to join Adoption West’s new multidisciplinary team. 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 suitably qualified and experienced social workers to be part of this team which will develop this new aspect of the service. 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 social workers who have some experience of working therapeutically and are keen to further this and help to shape this new service for adopted children, young people and their families.
Key Responsibilities:
- To provide specialist evidence-based intervention for children and adoptive parents both pre- and post-adoption order, drawing on innovative ways of engagement and intervention.
- To manage the progression of complex cases within the parameters of agreed policies, procedures, and framework for delivering support, including timely intervention, resolution and case closure or transfer.
- To facilitate joint consultations with Adoption West staff and other professionals to enhance their trauma-informed practice with children and adopters.
- To convene and chair case specific and other liaison/multi-agency meetings as appropriate.
- To provide specialist knowledge and advice to the service and other multi-agency professionals that helps them better understand the diverse experiences the children and young people have that we work with and support.
- To contribute to the development of the knowledge and skills of Adoption West staff and wider stakeholders e.g., schools, local authority social workers.
- To facilitate parenting training programmes/seminars and structured support groups.
What We’re Looking For:
- Social Work degree, Dip SW, CQSW or equivalent.
- Social Work England registered.
- 2 years post-qualifying with children and families.
- 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 adoption and/or work with children looked after.
- Experience of working with parents, children, and families in therapeutic interventions and in particular those who have experienced developmental trauma and loss.
- Driving licence.
Why Join Us?
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 – alison.lewis@adoptionwest.co.uk
All candidates applying for Adoption West roles are assessed against the Behaviour Principles and Values during the interviewing process.
Therapeutic Social Worker /Senior Practitioner in Bristol employer: Wiltshire
Adoption West is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to join a pioneering multidisciplinary team dedicated to enhancing therapeutic support for adopted children and their families across six local authorities. With a strong commitment to employee growth, continuous learning, and a supportive work culture, you will have the chance to make a meaningful impact while benefiting from hybrid working arrangements and appropriate clinical supervision. This role not only allows you to shape innovative practices but also positions you within a forward-thinking organisation that values your contributions and ambitions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Therapeutic Social Worker /Senior Practitioner in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with adoption services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Adoption West and their multidisciplinary approach. Show us you’re passionate about therapeutic practices and how you can contribute to the team’s mission to support adopted children and families.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to trauma-informed care. We want to see how you handle complex cases and your approach to working collaboratively with other professionals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Adoption West.
We think you need these skills to ace Therapeutic Social Worker /Senior Practitioner in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the therapeutic approaches mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Passion:Let us know why you’re excited about this role! Share your enthusiasm for working with adopted children and families, and how you can contribute to our multidisciplinary team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your qualifications and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of therapeutic practices relevant to children who have experienced developmental trauma. Be ready to discuss specific models you've used, like dyadic developmental psychotherapy or cognitive behavioural approaches, and how they can be applied in the context of adoption.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share examples from your past work with children and families, especially in therapeutic settings. Highlight any complex cases you've managed and how you approached them, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Engage with the Team's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Adoption West’s mission and the goals of the new multidisciplinary team. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for contributing to their vision and how your skills align with enhancing therapeutic support for adopted children and their families.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the types of training and support available for staff.
