Adoption Support Social Worker

Bath & North East Somerset Council; West of England; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Adoption West is recruiting an Adoption Support Social Worker to provide advice and support to adoptive families across the West region. The role is fixed term for 30 hours per week with a salary in the band £41,777–£43,149 per annum, pro rata, plus 8% market supplement.

You will assess needs, work with children and families with complex needs, and provide therapeutic support. DBS check, Social Work qualification, and registration with Social Work England are required.

Qualifications

• Social Work Qualification (degree or equivalent) and current registration with Social Work England.
• Experience as a Social Worker or student social work placement with children and families.
• Understanding of trauma or abuse and its impact on children and young people.
• Ability to analyse complex information to inform decisions.
• Ability to work in a team and share knowledge while managing cases.
• Ability to use initiative and work independently.
• Experience of managing your own caseload and meeting deadlines.

Responsibilities

• 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 directly or via ASF applications.

Skills

Social work

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Independent working

Caseload management

Deadline driven

Education

Social Work Qualification

Job description

Adoption Support Social Worker - Adoption West

Job reference: 26EXTE00059E

Salary: £41,777 - £43,149 per annum, pro rata (£33,873 - £34,985 per annum), plus 8% market supplement (subject to review)

Closing date: 28/09/2026

Location: Bristol

Employment type: Fixed term

Hours Per Week: 30

Service Area: B&NES Partners

Job Description

Please note this is not a Bath & North East Somerset Council Vacancy.

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

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

Contact

For an informal discussion about this role please contact:
Anjali Gupta: [e-mail] or
Anita Huggins: [e-mail]

Closing date: Monday 28th September 2026 at 5pm

Interview date: Monday 5th October 2026

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and will require an Enhanced DBS check before appointment can be confirmed.