Social Worker (Children with Disabilities Team) - 04433

Are you a passionate and child-centred Social Worker who wants to make a real difference to the lives of disabled children and their families? West Berkshire Council's Children with Disabilities Team is looking for an enthusiastic and committed Social Worker to join our dedicated service.

You will work with children and young people with disabilities, supporting them to achieve the best possible outcomes through high-quality assessments, relationship-based practice and strong multi-agency working. The team works closely with families, education settings, health colleagues and partner agencies to ensure children receive the right support at the right time.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a supportive and ambitious team where professional development is encouraged, strengths-based practice is valued, and children's voices remain at the heart of everything we do. We are particularly interested in practitioners who are passionate about working collaboratively with families and are committed to achieving positive outcomes for disabled children and young people.

Due to West Berkshire Council’s size and scale, and limited number of social work vacancies, we are not currently able to accept applications from overseas social workers.

The role

• Manage a varied caseload of disabled children and young people, undertaking assessments, reviews and intervention work.
• Develop clear, evidence-based assessments and outcome-focused plans that reflect children's needs, strengths and aspirations.
• Build positive, effective relationships with children, young people, families and carers through relationship-based practice.
• Work collaboratively with education, health and other partner agencies to provide coordinated support to children and families.
• Participate in Family Help Child in Need, Child Protection and Children in Care processes where required.
• Attend conferences, reviews, legal meetings and court proceedings as necessary.
• Prepare high-quality reports, care plans and written evidence within agreed timescales.
• Maintain accurate recording and case management in line with statutory duties, legislation and council procedures.

The ideal candidate would have the following qualifications, skills and attributes:

• Registered with Social Work England.
• Successful completion of ASYE or at least one year's post-qualification experience in a UK statutory social work setting.
• Experience of undertaking assessments and developing child-focused plans for children and families.
• Understanding of child protection, child in need and children in care practice.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance and social work practice models.
• Ability to work effectively in partnership with families and multi-agency professionals.
• Strong communication, assessment, analytical and report-writing skills.
• Commitment to equality, inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice.
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel to visit children and families.

Our offer to you

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• A golden hello payment of £3k after one year in post
• A retention payment of £2k after two years of service
• A further retention payment of £3k, plus a four-week paid sabbatical after three years’ service
• Flexible Working: West Berkshire has adopted a Hybrid Working Policy, which allows employees to split their time between attending the workplace and working remotely
• Social Work England registration fees reimbursed
• Dedicated employee wellbeing service with Employee Assistance Programme offering a great range of discounts at a variety of retailers, services and everyday spending.
• Regular and high-quality reflective supervision.
• Approachable and visible senior leadership
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave allowance, starting at 29 days plus an additional 5 days leave after 5 years continuous local authority service
• Relocation package for individuals moving from outside a 30-mile radius (subject to eligibility)
• Blue Light card fees reimbursed
• We use the PeopleSafe App, a reliable tool offering real-time monitoring, emergency assistance, and peace of mind when lone working

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Join us at West Berkshire Council and make a positive impact in our community while advancing your career. Explore everything that a career with West Berkshire Council has to offer here: Working with Us

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Anna Mobbs, Team Manager, Children with Disabilities Team. 01635 503165 Anna.Mobbs1@westberks.gov.uk

Equal Opportunities

The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

How to apply

Please now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV.

This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.

West Berkshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff and volunteers to share these values. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. This role involves regulated activity with children. As such, appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check with the relevant Barred List(s).

In this post you will be required to maintain continuous registration with the DBS Update Service for the duration of your employment.

This privacy notice applies to job applicants applying for vacancies with West Berkshire Council https://info.westberks.gov.uk/pnapplications

AI in Applications

We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation.

However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected.

We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability.