Social Worker - Adoption Focus

Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a safe, loving and permanent family. As an Adoption Social Worker within our Children in Care Service, you will play a vital role in making that happen.

We are looking for an experienced and compassionate Social Worker who is passionate about achieving the very best outcomes for children. This is a rewarding opportunity to support children on their journey to permanence, helping them move from uncertainty to stability, security and belonging.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is a place where everyone can Thrive – through our core values of Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Value for Money and Empowerment.

As the dedicated Adoption Social Worker within one of our Children in Care teams, you will take the lead on progressing adoption plans for children whose care plans have been endorsed as adoption. You will build meaningful relationships with children, work closely with families, adopters and partner agencies, and use your expertise to identify the right permanent family for each child. From care planning and family finding through to matching, transitions and adoption orders, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in children's lives every day.

Based at our modern offices in Wyvern House, Winsford, you will be part of a supportive borough-wide service covering Chester, Winsford and Ellesmere Port. While the role involves travelling across and beyond the borough, it also offers flexibility through hybrid working arrangements.

At Cheshire West and Chester Council, we are proud of our child-centred approach and our commitment to helping both children and practitioners thrive. Our practice is rooted in trauma-informed and systemic principles, supported by excellent supervision, reflective practice and a culture where learning and development are genuinely valued. Many of our leaders began their careers with us and progressed through our organisation.

We are also embracing innovative ways of working. Our use of Magic Notes is transforming practice by reducing administrative burden and giving social workers more time to focus on what matters most, building relationships with children and families. Practitioners report improved work-life balance, reduced stress and more meaningful direct work, allowing them to make an even greater impact.

When you join Cheshire West and Chester, you'll become part of a team that is passionate about changing lives and supporting one another to do their very best work. We offer:

If you are an experienced Social Worker with adoption experience who is ready to make a lifelong difference for children and help them find a place to call home, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Sarah Archibald at sarah.archibald@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Join us and help create brighter futures, one child at a time.

Please note that this job is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and children. It’s a criminal offence for people who are barred from working in Regulated Activity (under the Safeguarding and Vulnerable Groups Act 2006) to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with that particular group (i.e. adults at risk, children, or both).

To find out more information about what it is like to work for Cheshire West and Chester Council including our rewards and benefits please see www.cwcrecruitment.co.uk

Candidates may use AI tools to support proofreading, editing and presentation. However, all application materials should represent the candidate's own experience, perspectives and thinking. We are seeking original and authentic responses, and applicants should ensure that any submission reflects their own analysis, judgement and vision for the role. No candidate will meet every single requirement - if your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you!

Cheshire West and Chester Council are committed to equality and diversity in employment. Please see the Equality Policy for more information.

Cheshire West and Chester Council have adopted a Local Living Wage for our employees which means that all employees will receive a minimum of £13.45 per hour for all contracted hours.

For any technical enquiries please email Sourcingteam@ecwip.co.uk and quote job reference number in all correspondence.

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