Location
Newbury, United Kingdom (Hybrid Work Available)
Type
Full-Time, Permanent
Salary
Up to £47,418 per annum (includes a market supplement of £6,000 and retention bonuses)
About West Berkshire Council
West Berkshire Council is a local authority committed to improving the lives of families and children in the area. They are recognized by Ofsted for their strong and stable child-focused leadership. With a commitment to safeguarding and improving outcomes for children, they aim to move toward an ‘Outstanding’ rating.
Job Details
As a Social Worker in the Family Safeguarding teams, you will work within a multi-disciplinary environment alongside professionals specializing in areas such as domestic abuse, mental health, and addiction recovery. The role focuses on empowering families to make positive changes and aims to keep children safe within their homes. You will use motivational interviewing and a strength-based approach to help families achieve their goals.
Benefits
- £3,000 “Golden Hello” payment after one year of service
- £2,000 retention bonus after two years
- £3,000 retention bonus plus a four-week paid sabbatical after three years
- Hybrid work model with flexible working arrangements
- Reimbursement of Social Work England registration fees
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Generous annual leave with an additional five days after five years of service
- Relocation assistance (for those moving from over 30 miles away)
- Employee well-being services, including access to a variety of discounts
- Reflective supervision within a multi-disciplinary team
- Blue Light card fees reimbursed
Requirements
- A recognized Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England
- Experience managing complex caseloads
- Strong organizational and planning skills
- Familiarity with relevant legislation and policies
- A current driving license and access to a car
- Ability to manage conflict and build effective stakeholder relationships
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively
Salary Details
The salary for this position is up to £47,418 per year, including a £6,000 market supplement. Annual banding pay reviews and eligibility for national pay awards are also included, ensuring opportunities for salary progression.
About the Role
The role involves working closely with families to provide targeted support and promote positive change using the Family Safeguarding Model. Social workers collaborate with domestic abuse practitioners, recovery workers, and mental health professionals to offer holistic interventions. The aim is to improve family dynamics and keep children safe at home.
Through reflective supervision, social workers engage in continuous learning and shared decision-making to improve outcomes for families. Applicants should have a strong understanding of family needs and be comfortable with handling complex cases.
Key Responsibilities
- Work with families using motivational interviewing techniques
- Collaborate with specialist workers to provide group-based interventions
- Support children and families by understanding their immediate and extended social needs
- Utilize reflective supervision to inform case decisions
- Ensure all work aligns with safeguarding policies and child welfare guidelines
Equal Opportunity Statement:
West Berkshire Council is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those belonging to any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
