Team Manager - Post Adoption Support

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council; Merley; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire Regional Adoption Agency, hosted by BCP Council, is looking for a Post Adoption Support Team Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership for post adoption services. You will oversee a team of qualified social workers and family support practitioners, ensuring statutory requirements and best practice drive positive outcomes.

You will collaborate with local authorities, health partners, education services, voluntary agencies and providers to ensure seamless support for those

Qualifications

• Recognised Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
• Significant post-qualifying experience in children's social care, including adoption.
• Experience of managing teams within a social care environment.
• Sound knowledge of adoption legislation, regulations and guidance.
• Experience of managing safeguarding and post adoption support cases.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Post Adoption Support Team to deliver high‑quality services.
• Ensure statutory duties relating to adoption support are fulfilled on time.
• Provide professional supervision, performance management and staff development.
• Oversee adoption support assessments and implement appropriate plans.
• Manage complex cases and provide expert practitioner advice.
• Oversee use of Adoption & Special Guardianship Support Fund and other services.
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, health, education and voluntary sectors.
• Monitor service quality, performance indicators and compliance with standards.

Skills

Leadership & people management

Communication & partnership work

Trauma-informed practice

Relationship-based practice

Staff development

Education

Social Work qualification

Registration with Social Work England

Job description

Job Introduction

Aspire Regional Adoption Agency delivers adoption services for BCP and Dorset Council's. Hosted by BCP, employees have the benefits of LA terms and conditions. We use innovative and creative ways of working to ensure that we offer the best possible services and outcomes those whose lives have been touched by adoption. If you are interested in high quality, evidenced practice, and training in therapeutic work, we could be the agency for you.

At Aspire Adoption we are committed to providing outstanding support to adopted children, adoptive families, adopted adults, and birth relatives. We believe that adoption is a lifelong journey, and our dedicated Post Adoption Support Team plays a vital role in ensuring families receive the right support at the right time.

The Role

As Post Adoption Support Team Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the delivery of post adoption support services. You will oversee a team of qualified social workers and family support practitioners, ensuring that services meet statutory requirements, reflect best practice, and deliver positive outcomes for children and families.

You will work collaboratively with local authorities, health partners, education services, voluntary agencies, and commissioned providers to ensure seamless support for those affected by adoption.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Post Adoption Support Team and Keeping in Touch Service to deliver high-quality, responsive services.
• Ensure statutory duties relating to adoption support are fulfilled effectively and within required timescales.
• Provide professional supervision, performance management, and development opportunities for staff.
• Oversee assessments of adoption support needs and ensure appropriate support plans are implemented.
• Manage complex cases and provide expert advice to practitioners.
• Ensure effective use of the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund and other commissioned services.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with local authorities, health, education, and voluntary sector organisations.
• Monitor service quality, performance indicators, and compliance with legislation, regulations, and national standards.
• Lead service improvement initiatives informed by feedback, data analysis, and emerging best practice.
• Contribute to strategic planning and the ongoing development of Regional Adoption Agency services.

About You

• A recognised Social Work qualification.
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Significant post-qualifying experience within children's social care, including adoption services.
• Experience of managing teams within a social care environment.
• Sound knowledge of adoption legislation, regulations, and statutory guidance.
• Experience of managing complex safeguarding and post adoption support cases.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and partnership-working skills.
• A commitment to trauma-informed and relationship-based practice.
• The ability to inspire, motivate, and develop staff while maintaining a culture of continuous improvement.

Interview date set for Wednesday 9th September 2026

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

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About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

Our Benefits

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Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at Employee benefits | Working for BCP

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DBS

BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check.