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An exciting opportunity is available for a qualified Social Worker to join a dedicated Kinship and Special Guardianship Team in Bristol. The successful candidate will support children and families where relatives or connected carers are being considered to provide long-term care, helping to achieve safe, stable and lasting arrangements for children who cannot live with their birth parents.

You will undertake comprehensive kinship assessments and Special Guardianship assessments, including viability assessments, full connected-person assessments and the preparation of clear, evidence-based reports for court and decision-making panels. You will manage a varied caseload, undertake statutory visits, contribute to permanence planning and ensure that children’s wishes, feelings and welfare remain central to all work.

The role will involve working closely with children, parents, prospective carers and wider family networks, as well as collaborating with colleagues across children’s services, legal teams, schools, health professionals and other partner agencies. You will provide appropriate advice, support and challenge, identify safeguarding concerns and ensure that assessments and recommendations comply with relevant legislation, policy and professional standards.

Applicants must hold a recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England. You should have sound knowledge of safeguarding, family placement work, permanence planning and the legal framework relating to kinship care and Special Guardianship Orders. Experience of completing assessments, producing high-quality reports and presenting information in formal meetings or court proceedings is highly desirable.

You will be an organised, resilient and reflective practitioner, able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a child-centred approach. Strong communication, analytical and report-writing skills are essential, together with the ability to build effective relationships with families and professionals. A commitment to anti-discriminatory practice, continuous learning and positive outcomes for children is expected. This role may require travel across the local area, so the ability to travel to visits and meetings is important.