Family Placement Supervisor (Adoption)

Who are we?

Kibble supports children and young people (aged 5-26) who have experienced trauma and adversity through residential care, education and mental health services. For more than 200 years, we’ve put young people first and have built a trusted charity with vital services that strive to transform lives, families and communities.

When starting a new job at Kibble, you’ll become part of a dedicated staff team who make sure children are happy and safe 365 days a year, 24/7. Whether your role is in care, education, or the corporate side, you’ll help give young people a chance at life.

Job Purpose

The Family Placement Supervisor (Adoption) will provide leadership, supervision and professional oversight within Kibble’s Adoption Service. The post holder will be responsible for the effective delivery of adoption services in line with Scottish legislation, regulations, national guidance and best practice, ensuring the welfare and best interests of children remain central at all times.

The role involves direct work with children, adoptive families and prospective adopters within the community and may include lone working. A full driving licence is therefore essential.

Key Responsibilities

Adoption Service Management

The post holder will:

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the Adoption Service, ensuring compliance with:
• Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007
• Looked After Children (Scotland) Regulations 2009
• Adoption Agencies (Scotland) Regulations 2009
• Children (Scotland) Act 1995
• Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014
• SSSC Codes of Practice
• National Care Standards / Health and Social Care Standards
• Ensure robust systems are in place for assessment, approval, matching, placement and post-adoption support.
• Deputise for the Operations Manager as required.

Recruitment, Assessment & Approval of Adopters

• Coordinate and contribute to the recruitment of prospective adopters, promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Oversee and undertake:
• Initial screenings and assessment visits
• BAAF/Prospective Adopter Reports (PAR-S)
• Facilitate and deliver preparation groups and training for prospective adopters.
• Provide supervision and professional support to staff and independent assessors undertaking adoption assessments.
• Present adoption assessments and matching reports to Kibble’s Adoption Panel.

Family Finding, Linking & Matching

• Provide professional oversight of family finding and linking processes, ensuring child-centred, trauma-informed decision-making.
• Work collaboratively with local authorities and partner agencies to identify and progress appropriate adoptive matches.
• Ensure matching recommendations meet regulatory requirements and reflect the child’s assessed needs, life story and long-term welfare.

Support to Adoptive Families & Children

• Provide advice, guidance and support to adoptive families before, during and after placement.
• Ensure timely assessment and delivery of adoption support services, including therapeutic and support where appropriate.
• Liaise with children, families, birth relatives (where appropriate), and professionals to promote stability and positive outcomes.
• Promote best practice in life story work, contact planning and transitions.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Provide line management, supervision and professional guidance to adopters and
• Support staff development through reflective supervision, performance management and CPD.
• Promote a culture of high professional standards, relational practice and continuous improvement.

Governance, Quality Assurance & Risk Management

• Maintain accurate, high-quality records and reports in line with legislative and organisational requirements.
• Monitor and audit practice to ensure compliance with policies, procedures and regulatory standards.
• Contribute to service development, inspections and quality improvement planning.
• Maintain awareness of health and safety responsibilities and ensure safe working practices.

Partnership & Professional Representation

• Represent Kibble professionally at:
• Adoption Panels
• Permanence planning meetings
• Reviews, hearings and multi-agency forums
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with local authorities, health, education and third-sector partners.

On-Call & Duty Responsibilities

• Participate in out-of-hours on-call and duty rotas as required.
• Provide management support and decision-making during on-call periods.

Key Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• BA (Hons) Social Work / CQSW / DipSW / CSS.
• Current registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
• Minimum of three years’ post-qualifying experience working with children and families, including direct experience in adoption services.
• Sound knowledge of Scottish adoption legislation, child development, attachment and trauma.
• Experience of supervising, mentoring or leading staff.
• Excellent communication, assessment, report-writing and organisational skills.
• Ability to build trusting, respectful relationships with children, adopters and professionals.
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel as required.
• Commitment to Continuing Professional Development

Desirable:

• Practice Teaching Award.
• Management qualification or leadership training.
• Experience of adoption support and post-adoption services.
• Experience working across community-based and residential services.

Notes:

1. This job outline reflects the main tasks and responsibilities discharged by the postholder at the present time, however, Kibble reserves the right to alter or amend the content of this job outline to reflect changes to the job or services provided, while maintaining the overall character and level of responsibility for the post.

2. Notwithstanding any information or statement described within this job outline, all duties must be carried out in a way that promotes equality of opportunity, dignity, and respect for all individuals and which is consistent with Kibble’s stated policy on equal opportunities.

3. The successful candidate will be required to become a member of the PVG Scheme. Having previous convictions will not automatically disbar you from working at Kibble (except for offences against children or other vulnerable groups) and every case is taken on an individual basis.

4. The successful candidate will be required to undertake Safe Crisis Management (SCM) training and will require a level of fitness to be able to carry out SCM. The successful candidate must be able to participate fully in this training and be prepared to put this training into practice.

The SCM training will consist of two days theory and two days physical training. The successful candidate must complete this training in full within four weeks of an agreed start date. Should the candidate for any reason fail any aspect of the SCM training (theory, physical or both parts), an additional two weeks will be given to pass. Safe Crisis Training (SCM). Successful candidates will require a level of fitness to be able to carry out SCM. Please see note section below (4) for further information.

5. Please be aware that this post is subject to a twelve-month probationary period.

What do we offer?

Holidays (up to 40 days per year), enhanced sick and maternity pay, cash4health, employee assistance programme, free parking, free meals plus access to onsite physio.

How to apply?

To apply: Please visit our online recruitment site - www.jobtrain.co.uk/Kibble

Closing Date: Wednesday 1st April 2026

Note: All candidates will be contacted by email. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam folder.