Social Worker - Preparing for Adulthood

• Final_Social_Worker_JD_July_23_

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

We have an excellent opportunity for a Social Worker to join our award-winning Adult Social Care Team at Wokingham Borough Council on a full-time, permanent basis.

As a Social Worker in our Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) Team, you’ll support young people with additional needs as they move from childhood into adult life. Working with those aged 14–25 as they navigate key milestones such as education, employment, independent living, health, and community participation. You’ll collaborate closely with families, schools, adult services, health partners, and other agencies to ensure a smooth, empowering, and well-coordinated transition to adulthood.

You’ll be joining an award-winning, forward-thinking service that places young people and their families at the heart of everything we do. Wokingham is a progressive, high-performing council, recently recognised as one of the top local authorities in the country in our latest CQC Local Authority Assessment. We are also proud to be part of the Social Care Future movement, working to transform adult social care so that everyone can live in a home they love, stay connected to what matters, and thrive within their community.

You’ll be welcomed into a supportive team that works flexibly through a hybrid model, combining home working, office collaboration, and in-person visits with young people and families as needed. We’re committed to your professional growth, offering extensive training and development opportunities for those looking to specialise or advance their practice.

Hear directly from our team:

'Working with the PfA team is some of the most rewarding work you can do. We champion young people at a crucial turning point, helping them move into adulthood with confidence and possibility. If you want purpose-driven work, real impact and a team that lifts you up - then PfA is where you belong'

“If your goal to help young people overcome immediate challenges and foster long term positive change within their lives, and the community surrounding them which aligns with a person-centred approach, the Preparing for Adulthood Team is for you. We collaboratively, as a team, provide support and empowerment to provide self efficacy to allow everyone's best self to shine”

⭐Staff Benefits⭐

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐Generous Annual Leave entitlement of 30 days (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays

⭐Local Government Pension Scheme (actual contribution details to follow)

⭐GP Helpline 7 days a week

⭐Employee Assistance Programme with a 24/7 Your Care confidential helpline

⭐Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines

⭐Free Onsite Gym (located at Shute End, Wokingham)

⭐Salary Sacrifice Schemes – including Car and Cycle to Work

⭐Local & Lifestyle Discounts – savings on shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and more

⭐Move through Menopause Course

⭐Sports & Social Group Activities – running, football, cricket, and more

⭐Learning & Development Opportunities

⭐Employee Networks

⭐And more!

Key responsibilities

• Work under the Care Act 2014 to assess and review the needs of young people and their carers, offering clear advice and connecting them with the right support to stay safe and well.
• Take a strengths-based, person-centred approach—building positive relationships and ensuring dignity, culture, communication needs, and individual choices are always respected.
• Complete risk assessments and develop plans that protect people while promoting independence and positive risk-taking.
• Identify and respond to concerns about abuse or neglect, contributing to safeguarding enquiries and helping put effective safety plans in place.
• Make sense of complex situations and work with others to find practical, creative solutions.
• Work closely with young people, their families, carers, education settings, health partners, and internal teams to gather information, assess needs, and agree the best support options—promoting independence, wellbeing, and sustainable outcomes within the community.
• Advocate for young people and ensure their voice is heard throughout their transition to adulthood.

Candidate requirements

• Registered Social Worker (SWE) with experience in social care or healthcare settings.
• Passionate about supporting young people with SEND and complex needs.
• Skilled in strengths-based, person-centred practice and confident in multi-agency working.
• Strong knowledge of the Care Act, Children Act, Mental Capacity Act, and transition guidance.
• Experienced in assessing complex needs and analysing information to develop effective solutions.
• An empathetic, resilient communicator who can engage creatively with young people and families.

Our area

Wokingham Borough is a thriving area in the heart of Berkshire, offering great transport links, excellent schools, strong communities, and beautiful countryside. With a growing economy and low crime, it’s a great place to live and work. We’re also committed to becoming a Marmot Borough, focusing on prevention, early intervention, and reducing inequalities across our diverse community.

If you are passionate about helping young people build their best adult futures, we would love to hear from you!

For an informal discussion, please contact: Julie.Puddephatt@wokingham.gov.uk

Closing date: 18th January 2026, 11pm

Interview date: TBC

Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and you may be invited to interview before the closing date.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer