This is not a Wiltshire Council vacancy therefore please contact Adoption West for further information. Salary: £43,426 - £45,441 per annum Closing date: Tuesday 7 May 2024 Hours: 37 hours a week Provisional interview date: Thursday 16 May 2024 Location: Flexible. An office base in one of the offices within the Adoption West region (Bristol, Gloucester or Trowbridge) and working from home. Travel across the region will also be required on occasion. 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. Main duties To support the Manager in managing the services of the Adoption West at an operational level and actively participating in service development and improvement work. Undertaking supervisory/management responsibilities as appropriate for this post. Taking key casework decisions in the absence of the Manager within delegated powers. The post holder will support the Manager to direct, co-ordinate and provide leadership to all staff within the team. The post holder will deputise for the Manager as appropriate during times of absence, providing management cover and support to operational arrangements. The post holder will assist in ensuring that services are delivered in accordance with the National Minimum Standards, and Adoption Regulations, Adoption West’s agreed priorities, policies and procedures; and to seek improvement and innovation in how services are provided. Responsible for supervising a small team of social workers in the recruitment, training and assessment of prospective adopters. You will need: A Social Work Qualification, i.e. Social Work Degree or Diploma in Social Work and registered with Social Work England. 3 years post qualifying experience in children and families’ social work. Proven knowledge of legislation/regulations relating to adoption and adoption services, fostering, early permanence and childcare law. Experience of work with looked after children/ permanency planning or adoption, with an excellent awareness of the issues that are relevant to children who are adopted. Motivation to improve services for children and young people through working in partnership with others. A strong commitment to making service performance improvements and a determination to achieve positive service outcomes for users. Have a participative approach – listens and consults with children, adopters, birth families and all other stakeholders. Evidence of assessment and analytical skills and an ability to assess risk. Proven organisational skills, able to prioritise work and set priorities for supervisees and team members. Knowledge, understanding and a commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people. Understanding of and commitment to the principles of practices of equality and diversity, both in relation to employment issues and to service delivery. Ability to contribute positively to the overall management of Adoption West. Ability to take responsibility for own professional development and commitment to evidenced based practice. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Good IT skills. Able to travel throughout the Adoption West area. Able to work outside normal working hours on a planned basis and at short notice. 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 Childcare vouchers scheme. 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. Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme Disability Confident About Disability Confident