Adoption West-Family Finding Social Worker

TN United Kingdom; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Family Finding Social Worker in Bristol to develop sustainable practices for finding permanent families for children with disabilities. This role involves working across local authorities and requires a social work qualification, with opportunities for professional development and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Child Care vouchers

Flexible working arrangements

Support through supervision and training

Qualifications

• Experience as a social worker with families and children.
• Understanding of trauma or abuse and their impacts.
• Experience supporting children or adults with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Providing permanency options including adoption and fostering.
• Delivering an efficient family finding service.
• Consulting with social workers on placements.

Skills

Teamwork

Case Management

Analytical Skills

Communication

Education

Social Work Qualification

Job description

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Adoption West-Family Finding Social Worker, Bristol

Client: Bath and North East Somerset Council

Location: Bristol, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: 3ba959af6503

Job Views: 3

Posted: 23.05.2025

Expiry Date: 07.07.2025

Job Description:

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

This is not a Wiltshire Council vacancy therefore please contact Adoption West for further information.

Contract: 12 months Temporary fixed term

Location: Hybrid working both office and home based must be prepared to attend meetings in the South West.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop and promote sustainable practices that will ensure increased opportunities to find permanent families for children with disabilities in the South West. This involves working with 3 Regional Adoption Agencies and 15 local authorities.

The project is funded by Adoption England and has been extended by a further 12 months. This is an additional post to support the project's current work.

The aims of the South West Permanence Project include:

• Providing the best possible permanency opportunities, including adoption, special guardianship, and long-term fostering.
• Increasing aspirations for permanence for children with disabilities, with improved and faster permanency options.
• Reducing delays by diversifying the regional pool of adopters.
• Enhancing placement stability through earlier placements and better understanding of children’s support needs.
• Securing tailored, informed adoption support packages at the point of placement.
• Raising awareness among adopters about the needs of waiting children and preparing them accordingly.

Main Duties of the Family Finding Social Workers include:

• Working across 13 local authorities in South West England.
• Providing permanency options considering adoption, guardianship, and long-term fostering.
• Delivering an efficient family finding service within prescribed timescales.
• Consulting with social workers involved in placing children for adoption.
• Developing an in-depth understanding of each child's support needs and networks, including creating detailed ecomaps.
• Locating and engaging with network members through various communication methods.
• Facilitating discussions to identify suitable supports and developing support plans.
• Referencing cases to adoption teams or local authorities for full assessments.

Supporting social workers with assessments and support plans, considering the child's and family's wishes.

• Conducting and chairing multiagency meetings as needed.
• Maintaining accurate children’s records per policies.
• Contributing to project evaluation and training development.
• Promoting equality, valuing diversity, and operating within Adoption West policies.
• Keeping updated with social work legislation and practices.
• Engaging with children, families, and professionals to involve them in service development and evaluation.
• Building positive relationships with other professionals for joint working.
• Maintaining local knowledge and links with statutory and voluntary groups.
• Preparing for supervision and professional development.
• Managing resources effectively to ensure service quality and value for money.

Requirements to be considered for interview:

• Experience as a social worker with families and children.
• Understanding of trauma or abuse and their lifelong impacts.
• Experience supporting children or adults with disabilities or complex health needs.
• Flexible, innovative practice approach.
• Ability to analyze complex information and make recommendations.
• Teamwork and case management skills.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Organized, proactive, and able to liaise across sectors.
• Must be able to travel within the South West and outside the region; own vehicle required.

About Adoption West:

• Experienced organization committed to staff development.
• Provides support through supervision and training.
• Offers flexible working arrangements, including job shares.
• Provides a Local Government Pension Scheme and Child Care vouchers.

If you have the skills, experience, and enthusiasm, we look forward to your application.

Additional Information:

• This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and requires an Enhanced DBS check.
• Employees must maintain confidentiality at all times.

For informal inquiries, please contact:

Adoption West Behaviour Principles and Values:

All candidates are assessed against these principles and values during interviews.

Role Description: Please specify application submission details here.

For questions regarding the advert, contact: [Insert contact details]

Apply via the link: Family Finding Social Worker - Wiltshire Career Site Careers

Safeguarding Statement:

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Safer recruitment practices are followed, and appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check.