Social Worker

At Reading Borough Council, we are passionate about supporting residents to live safe, independent and fulfilling lives. Our Supporting Independence Through Review Team plays a vital role in ensuring people receive the right support at the right time, promoting strengths-based approaches and maximising independence.

We are looking for a skilled and experienced Senior Social Worker to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity for a practitioner who is passionate about delivering high-quality adult social care while supporting the development of others.

Alongside managing a complex caseload, you will provide professional leadership, guidance and oversight to staff, helping to maintain excellent standards of practice and achieve positive outcomes for residents.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment which utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking according to the needs of the Service.

About the Role

As a Senior Social Worker, you will manage a varied and complex caseload, undertaking assessments, reviews, support planning, safeguarding enquiries and other statutory responsibilities. You will work closely with individuals, families, carers and partner agencies to promote wellbeing, independence and person-centred outcomes.

In addition to your direct casework responsibilities, you will support the Team Manager by providing day-to-day practice guidance, coaching and mentoring to Social Workers and Social Care Coordinators across the team. You will act as a role model for professional practice, supporting colleagues with complex decision-making, risk management and the application of relevant legislation.

This role provides an excellent opportunity for an experienced practitioner seeking to further develop their leadership skills while continuing to work directly with residents.

Key Responsibilities

Manage a complex caseload within Adult Social Care, ensuring timely and high-quality interventions.

Complete strengths-based assessments, reviews and support planning in accordance with statutory duties.

Lead on complex casework, including safeguarding enquiries, risk assessments and mental capacity assessments.

Provide professional advice, support and consultation to colleagues across the team.

Promote reflective practice and support staff with complex case discussions and decision-making.

Assist with the allocation and oversight of work within the team.

Undertake quality assurance activities, including case audits and practice reviews.

Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, procedures and professional standards.

Build effective partnerships with health colleagues, providers and other agencies to achieve positive outcomes for residents.

Contribute to service development and continuous improvement initiatives.

Deputise for the Team Manager when required.

You will be a qualified and registered Social Worker with significant post-qualifying experience within Adult Social Care. You will be confident managing complex situations and passionate about supporting the development of others.

You will have:

Degree in Social Work or equivalent recognised qualification.

Current registration with Social Work England.

Significant post-qualifying experience within Adult Social Care.

Experience of managing complex casework and safeguarding concerns.

Excellent knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and safeguarding legislation.

Strong assessment, analytical and decision-making skills.

Experience of providing coaching, mentoring or informal supervision to colleagues.

Ability to build positive and effective working relationships with residents, families, carers and partner agencies.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.