72 Social Work Jobs in South East

We have a fantastic opportunity available for a Senior Social Worker to join our Adult Safeguarding Hub at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full time, permanent basis.

As a Senior Social Worker, you’ll lead safeguarding enquiries under the Care Act and offer professional advice to social workers, support workers and teams across the Council. You’ll work closely with our partners so we can make quicker, safer decisions for the people we support.

This is an exciting time to join us as we are expanding the team! Our service was recently recognised as one of the highest performing in the country after a CQC inspection. Wokingham Borough Council is part of the Social Care Future movement, which champions a vision where everyone can live in a place they love, connected to the people and activities that matter most, whatever their age, health or disability.

Our hybrid working model gives you the flexibility to balance home working within person meetings and visits. You will join a friendly, dynamic team working on challenging but engaging work, making a real difference to others.

Hear is what one of our social workers in the team has to say:

“In the three months I’ve worked at Wokingham Borough Council, I’ve found the Safeguarding Team to be welcoming, supportive and well led. I feel genuinely valued in my role within my team and also in the wider Adult Social Care service. There are strong opportunities for learning and professional development, and a culture that encourages growth and good practice as well as flexible working. I’m very pleased I made the move to Wokingham.”

⭐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 31 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

Be part of the Adult Safeguarding Hub (ASH) duty rota, taking in all adult safeguarding concerns for the borough and making sure we apply the right thresholds from the start.
Carry out initial safeguarding enquiries and lead on more complex Section 42 enquiries.
Take on the role of Safeguarding Adults Manager (SAM) for enquiries when needed.
Chair strategy meetings, discussions and any other meetings linked to safeguarding work.
Plan and deliver safeguarding workshops and training for staff and partners.
Provide supervision and day‑to‑day support to Adult Safeguarding Hub Practitioners, including both qualified and unqualified workers.

Candidate requirements

Social work qualification
Evidenced experience of direct work with Adult Safeguarding issues.
Leadership skills to supervise and support safeguarding practitioners.
Excellent communication and professional management skills to chair strategy meetings.
Ability to prioritise and work with competing demands.
Full EU driving license (and access to daily use of a car)

Our area:

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Wokingham Borough Council has committed to becoming a Marmot borough to embed prevention, early intervention and address inequalities in all aspects of our work. This is especially important given the significant and continued growth of our Borough and the diversity of its residents.

Ready to lead transformation in Adult Social Care? Apply now and make a lasting impact!

Alternatively, for an informal discussion about the role please contact our team via email Maria.Harrison@wokingham.gov.uk

Closing date: Sunday 2nd August 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.

Salary range

£53,270 - £54,357 per year