Permanency Social Worker

Bristol City Council; Bristol; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Bristol seeks a Permanency Specialist Social Worker for a 12-month maternity cover. This full-time role involves supporting children’s pathways to permanency, collaborating with social work teams, and ensuring effective interventions for families. Applicants should have a strong background in child protection and relevant legal frameworks. The position offers a competitive rewards package and career development opportunities in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive rewards package

Local Government Pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Career development program

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of child protection and family law.
• Familiarity with legislation such as the Children Act 1989.
• Experience in fostering and adoption processes.

Responsibilities

• Support children’s pathways to permanency.
• Collaborate with child’s social worker and team manager.
• Conduct parenting assessments and direct family work.

Skills

Child protection knowledge

Family law understanding

Report writing skills

Communication skills

Education

Social work qualification (degree)

Job description

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Job reference VAC007500 Date posted 26/09/2025 Application closing date 14/10/2025 Location Ridingleaze District Office Kirkby Road Lawrence Weston Bristol BS11 0QE Salary £47,181 - £50,269 Pro Rata Package Blank Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Job category/type Social Care

Permanency Specialist Social Worker - Children & Families (12 months Fixed Term Maternity Cover)

Join our Amazing Team at Bristol City Council

We have 1 x 12 Months Fixed Term Maternity Cover available

These posts are newly-created roles and will offer support to existing teams to further strengthen our good practice. Our last Ofsted report noted “Decisions to bring children into care are timely and are appropriately overseen by senior managers. Children who need to come into care in an emergency receive sensitive support from social workers, who provide effective help in times of uncertainty and distress. Extensive thought and attention are evident in planning for children.”

Do you have a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of children and families? Would you like to use your experience and skills to achieve permanency for children and to support the development of less experienced social workers? If so, consider joining our dedicated and supportive service, where you can contribute to positively influencing the lives of children and families.

This position is located in our safeguarding services at Ridingleaze, Lawrence Weston.

The Role:

The focus of this role is to make sure children have a clear and achievable pathway to permanency, whether that is through reunification with their family, adoption, special guardianship, or long-term foster care.

The Permanency Specialist Social Worker will play a crucial role within the service working primarily alongside the child’s social worker and team manager to support practice, maintain an overview of the progress towards permanency and unblock barriers.

As well as joint work and mentoring to make sure there is a safe and permanent outcome for the child they may be required to do some direct work such as undertaking a parenting assessment or CPR.

You will play a pivotal role in providing support and intervention for families going through Court processes.

The successful candidate will need a deep understanding of child protection, family law, adoption, fostering, and permanency planning and to be familiar with relevant legislation (e.g., Children Act 1989, Adoption and Children Act 2002, Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations). Good communication skills, strong report-writing and an inventive approach to achieving permanency for children will be required.

What We Offer:

• Generous Rewards: Enjoy a competitive rewards package, featuring flexible working, competitive pay, an exceptional Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance.
• Unrivalled Career Development: Join an innovative and forward-looking organisation with an excellent training and progression program tailored for social workers.
• Ongoing Support: Experience a supportive work environment with good management support.

Why Join Us:

• Inspiring Culture: An independent review highlighted our robust practice culture dedicated to facilitating effective changes within families. Our staff are highly dedicated to the well-being of Bristol's children and families.
• Supportive Environment: Enjoy a work environment that values support, with high levels of satisfaction reported in supervision, good support from managers in complex situations, and ready access to management support.
• Learning Culture: Be a part of a team that values continuous improvement, with a belief in Bristol's positive learning culture.

Why Bristol?

• Fast Paced and Dynamic: Join a vibrant and fast-paced environment that thrives on innovation and collaboration.

If you share our values and are ready to be part of our exciting journey, click the apply button below. Specify your area of interest in the application form, and we'll work to match you with the perfect opportunity.

Contact Us:

For more information or to discuss opportunities, contact [e-mail]

At Bristol City Council, we value having a workforce as diverse as the City we serve. We therefore welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic and disabled candidates who are currently under-represented within this Service of Bristol City Council. Appointments will be made on merit.