Higher Specialist Social Worker - CSPoA/MASH

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.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced social worker with a strong social work value base that will be committed to this role and the team and that will practice using the practice approach of Reading Borough Council including trauma informed, systemic and restorative practice.

This is an exciting opportunity for you to join our Children with Single Point of Access (CSPOA) team within Reading Borough Council. This role is situated within the front door for early help and safeguarding children, and you will represent the service for those seeking advice and support for children not already open to the service. You will work as part of a team to gather, review and evaluate information in regard to children’s needs, including children in need of support, intervention and protection. This is not a case holding role; instead you will explore, triage and make recommendations on the needs of children and young people, alongside the family and professional network ensuring they receive the help they need at the time they need it.

Qualifications & Education

• Social Work qualification.

• Social Work England registration.

• Advanced knowledge of the legal and social care policy framework.

• Appropriate Post Qualifying Moderated Training e.g. PQ Level 1 or 2 / Consolidation or Specialist / Practice Educator of Enabling Learning or equivalent.

For more information about the role, please read the job description and person specification.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave

• A wide range of flexible working opportunities

• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)

• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted

• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work

• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact James.Joyce@reading.gov.uk .

Closing Date:Sunday 26th October 20205
Interview Date:To be confirmed

Interview Process:to be confirmed