Adoption Support Social Worker – UK-Based Applicants
Overview
Adoption West is recruiting an Adoption Support Social Worker to join its regional adoption support service across Bristol, Gloucester and Trowbridge.
This is a part-time, temporary position for up to 12 months, supporting the Adoption Support Helpdesk across the Adoption West region.
Key Details
- Job Title: Adoption Support Social Worker
- Employer: Adoption West
- Job Reference: 8104
- Salary: Grade K £39,862 – £41,771 pro rata
- Actual salary for 18.5 hours: £19,931 – £20,885 per annum
- Market Supplement: Additional 8%, subject to review
- Hours: 18.5 hours per week
- Contract: Temporary, up to 12 months
- Sector: Social Care, Education & Skills
- Location: Bristol, Gloucester or Trowbridge, with home working
- Closing Date: 3 September 2026 at 5:00 PM
- Interview Date: 17 September 2026
About Adoption West
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.
The organisation provides:
- Recruitment and assessment of prospective adopters
- Family finding services
- Post-adoption support
- Services to birth families
- Services to adopted adults
About the Role
The successful candidate will work as a Temporary Adoption Support Social Worker for up to 12 months, primarily supporting the Adoption Support Helpdesk across the Adoption West region.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide advice and support to adoptive families.
- Assess the support needs of adoptive families.
- Work with children and families with complex needs.
- Provide therapeutic support directly or through Adoption Support Fund applications.
- Manage an individual caseload effectively.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and share professional knowledge.
- Make informed recommendations and decisions based on complex information.
Essential Requirements
- Social Work qualification at degree level or equivalent.
- Current registration with Social Work England.
- Experience working as a Social Worker or relevant student placement with children and families.
- Understanding of early-life experiences, including trauma and abuse.
- Understanding of the impact of early experiences on children and young people.
- Ability to analyse complex information.
- Ability to make recommendations and informed decisions.
- Ability to work independently and use initiative.
- Ability to work effectively within a team.
- Experience managing a caseload and working to deadlines.
Skills and Attributes
The successful applicant should demonstrate:
- Strong communication skills.
- Effective case-management abilities.
- Professional judgement.
- Analytical and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work independently.
- Effective teamwork.
- Understanding of children’s experiences and family support.
- Ability to manage complex cases.
- Good organisation and time-management skills.
Working Location
The role offers flexible working with an office base at one of the following locations:
- Bristol
- Gloucester
- Trowbridge
The position also provides the opportunity to work from home.
Salary and Hours
Salary: Grade K £39,862 – £41,771 pro rata.
Actual salary for 18.5 hours: £19,931 – £20,885 per annum.
Market supplement: 8%, subject to review.
Working hours: 18.5 hours per week.
Employee Benefits
Adoption West offers:
- Learning and professional development opportunities.
- Supervision and training.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Job-share opportunities.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Access to the Child Care voucher scheme.
DBS and Pre-Employment Checks
The position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
An Enhanced DBS check will be required before an appointment can be confirmed.
Employees are also expected to maintain the required level of confidentiality at all times.
Interview and Selection
Candidates applying for Adoption West roles are assessed against the organisation’s Behaviour Principles and Values during the interview process.
Applicants should therefore demonstrate how their experience and professional approach align with the organisation’s expectations.
Important Dates
- Closing Date: 3 September 2026 at 5:00 PM
- Interview Date: 17 September 2026
Informal Enquiries
For an informal discussion about the position, contact:
Anjali Gupta
Anjlai.gupta@adoptionwest.co.uk
Anita Huggins
anita.huggins@adoptionwest.co.uk
Supporting Documents
Applicants can review the employer’s supporting documents, including:
- Adoption West Behaviour Principles
- Adoption West Values
- Role Description
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official Adoption West/Wiltshire Council recruitment portal.
Job Title: Adoption Support Social Worker
Job Reference: 8104
Closing Date: 3 September 2026 at 5:00 PM
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity may be suitable for:
- Qualified Social Workers.
- Social Workers registered with Social Work England.
- Social Workers with children and families experience.
- Candidates with relevant student Social Work placement experience.
- Professionals with family support experience.
- Social Workers interested in adoption support.
- Social Workers experienced in complex family work.
- Qualified professionals seeking part-time and flexible working.
UK-Based Applicants Only
This is a UK-based Social Work opportunity requiring an appropriate Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
Applicants should carefully review the employer’s eligibility requirements before applying.
Final Application Reminder
The Adoption Support Social Worker role offers an opportunity to support adoptive families across the Adoption West region while benefiting from flexible working, professional development, supervision and training.
Salary: £39,862 – £41,771 pro rata + 8% market supplement
Hours: 18.5 hours per week
Contract: Up to 12 months
Locations: Bristol, Gloucester or Trowbridge
Closing Date: 3 September 2026 at 5:00 PM
Interview Date: 17 September 2026
Job Reference: 8104