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Social Worker

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Social Worker – Family Safeguarding Team ( £6,000 Welcome Payment)

Employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Location: Bracknell, Berkshire, England
Salary: £48,295–£50,454 per year
Job Type: Full-time, permanent status not explicitly confirmed
Working Pattern: Hybrid, with at least 3 days per week in the Time Square office
Welcome Payment: £6,000, subject to terms and conditions
Closing Date: Not specified in the supplied advert; applications are reviewed weekly and the vacancy may close early
Reference: Not provided in the supplied advert

Visa Sponsorship: Potentially available on a case-by-case basis, subject to eligibility, budget and other requirements. Applicants must currently reside in the UK. Sponsorship is not guaranteed.

Job Overview

Bracknell Forest Council is recruiting a Social Worker to join its Family Safeguarding Team within Children’s Social Care. This opportunity is suited to an experienced social work professional who wants to support children and families, manage safeguarding concerns and help achieve positive, lasting outcomes.

You will manage a varied caseload involving Child in Need, Child Protection, care proceedings and Children Looked After. Working closely with children, families and professionals from other agencies, you will assess needs, manage risks and develop effective safeguarding plans.

The council offers a supportive working environment, flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development. The role also comes with a £6,000 welcome payment, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

Key Responsibilities

As a Social Worker in the Family Safeguarding Team, your duties will include:

  • Developing and implementing safeguarding plans to protect children from harm.
  • Managing cases involving Child in Need, Child Protection, care proceedings and Children Looked After.
  • Working collaboratively with professionals across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Participating in the team duty system and responding to safeguarding concerns as they arise.
  • Conducting timely visits, assessments and report writing while managing competing priorities.
  • Taking part in regular reflective supervision and setting clear intervention goals.
  • Maintaining accurate case records in line with departmental procedures, data protection requirements and GDPR.
  • Working with children and families to identify needs, manage risks and support positive change.

Requirements and Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following essential requirements:

  • Current registration with Social Work England.
  • Post-qualifying experience in children’s safeguarding, including child protection work.
  • Successful completion of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) within a statutory children’s social care setting, where applicable.
  • Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, policies and safeguarding thresholds.
  • Substantial experience of multi-agency working with children, families and partner organisations.
  • Ability to develop needs-led safety plans in collaboration with families and professionals.
  • Excellent written communication, case recording, assessment and report-writing skills.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and manage a demanding caseload effectively.
  • Experience working within the current social care system and framework.

Important: The council states that applications can only be accepted from candidates currently residing in the UK. Applicants living outside the UK are not eligible to apply for this vacancy.

About the Family Safeguarding Team

Bracknell Forest Council uses a nationally recognised Family Safeguarding Model, which focuses on working collaboratively with families to keep them together wherever it is safe to do so.

The approach is underpinned by Motivational Interviewing (MI), helping parents make positive changes that improve children’s safety, development and family wellbeing.

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You will join a small, welcoming and supportive local authority team where collaboration, inclusion, professional learning and positive working relationships are valued.

The council is also progressing its Families First transformation programme. The responsibilities, reporting arrangements or job description for this position may change as the programme develops, following the council’s relevant consultation procedures.

Salary and Welcome Payment

The advertised salary is £48,295 to £50,454 per year, alongside a £6,000 welcome payment.

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The welcome payment is subject to the council’s terms and conditions. Applicants should review the official welcome payment document and relevant retention payment information before applying, as additional conditions may apply.

Employee Benefits

Bracknell Forest Council offers a range of benefits, including:

  • 28 days of annual leave, increasing to 33 days after three years of continuous service.
  • The option to buy up to 10 additional days of annual leave and sell up to 5 days.
  • Hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance.
  • Local Government Pension Scheme and life insurance cover.
  • Reimbursement of Social Work England registration fees.
  • Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
  • Paid employee volunteering scheme.
  • Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, subject to eligibility.
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
  • Employee Assistance Programme for health and wellbeing support.
  • Staff networks, a sports and social club, and an inclusive working environment.
  • Recognition of qualifying continuous service with the NHS and UKHSA for certain benefits, subject to terms and conditions.

Training and Professional Development

The council highlights internal and external training opportunities as part of its career development offer. The Family Safeguarding Model also supports collaborative practice, reflective supervision and the development of effective intervention strategies.

Specific induction or role-specific training arrangements are not detailed in the supplied advert. Applicants can ask the recruiting team for further information.

Visa Sponsorship and Right to Work

Bracknell Forest Council states that applicants currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship may assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Sponsorship requests are considered individually and depend on the relevant eligibility criteria, available budget and other requirements. Visa sponsorship is not guaranteed for this position.

The employer also confirms that it can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK. Applicants based overseas should therefore not apply, even if they may otherwise qualify for sponsorship.

Anyone considering an application should confirm their eligibility directly with the council before proceeding.

Application and Selection Process

Applications must be submitted online through the official vacancy page.

Applicants are asked to:

  1. Complete the online application.
  2. Submit a CV and a personal statement explaining why they are applying for the role.
  3. Demonstrate how their qualifications, safeguarding experience and skills meet the essential requirements.
  4. Review the job description, person specification, candidate pack and welcome payment terms before applying.

Applications are reviewed weekly, and interviews are arranged at least seven days after shortlisting for suitable candidates. Interviews will take place in person.

The council may close the vacancy early if suitable candidates are identified, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.

Important interview notice: The employer states that AI use is prohibited during the interview and that candidates using AI during the interview will be withdrawn from consideration.

DBS and Safeguarding Checks

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of the pre-employment process.

Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Reasonable Adjustments and Inclusive Recruitment

Applicants who require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or interview process can contact recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

Bracknell Forest Council is a Disability Confident Leader. Applicants who disclose a disability, armed forces veteran status or care leaver status will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.

Contact for Informal Enquiries

Contact: Helen Gore, Principal Social Worker
Email: helen.gore@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Candidates can contact Helen to arrange an informal discussion or a visit to the office before submitting an application.

How to Apply

To review the full job description, person specification, candidate pack and welcome payment conditions, and to submit your application, visit the official vacancy listing:

 

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