Adoption Support Social Worker - Adoption West

Bath & North East Somerset Council; West of England; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements (job-sha

Local Government Pension Scheme

Childcare vouchers

Job summary

Adoption West seeks a Social Worker on a fixed-term contract (up to 12 months) to support and assess adoptive families across the region. You will provide advice, assess needs and work with children and families with complex needs, offering therapeutic support where appropriate.

The role requires a Social Work degree and current SW England registration, with experience in child and family services, trauma awareness, and strong caseload management.

Qualifications

• Social Work qualification (degree or equivalent) and current registration with Social Work England.
• Experience as a Social Worker or student placement with children and families.
• Understanding of trauma or abuse and its impact on children and young people.
• Ability to analyse complex information to make recommendations and informed decisions.
• Ability to work as part of a team and manage cases.
• Ability to use own 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

Teamwork

Analytical thinking

Initiative

Caseload management

Education

Social Work degree

Job description

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

Fixed Term Contract (up to 12 months)

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
• 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: [e-mail] or Anita Huggins: [e-mail]

Closing date: Monday 28th September 2026 at 5pm

Interview date: Monday 5th October 2026

All candidates applying for Adoption West roles are assessed against the Behaviour Principles and Values during the interviewing process.

Role Description