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…”
About 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.
Key Responsibilities
* Drive permanency outcomes for children through adoption, special guardianship, long‑term foster care, or reunification.
* Mentor and support less experienced social workers.
* Conduct parenting assessments and other barriers unblocking work.
* Provide support and intervention for families undergoing court processes.
Qualifications
* Deep understanding of child protection, family law, adoption, fostering, and permanency planning.
* Familiarity with legislation (Children Act 1989, Adoption and Children Act 2002, Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations).
* Strong communication and report‑writing skills.
* Inventive approach to achieving permanency for children.
What We Offer
* Competitive rewards package, flexible working, local government pension scheme and generous annual leave allowance.
* Excellent training and progression program tailored for social workers.
* Supportive work environment with good management support.
Why Join Us
* Robust practice culture dedicated to effective changes within families.
* High satisfaction reported in supervision and management support.
* Culture of continuous improvement and learning.
How to Apply
For more information or to discuss opportunities, contact Louise.Jenner@bristol.gov.uk.
At Bristol City Council, we value having a workforce as diverse as the City we serve. 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.
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