Overview
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children in care? West Berkshire Council is seeking a dedicated and experienced Social Worker to join our 16+Leaving Care Team. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a supportive and collaborative environment. The role focuses on supporting young people aged 16–25 as they transition from care to independent living. You will work with care leavers from 16 under the guidance of statutory children in care legislation, to pathway plan and to develop practical life skills, access education, training and employment, secure safe accommodation, and build positive relationships and resilience. At 18 the young person will transition to a Personal Advisor who will continue to support as a former Relevant care leaver in the same team.
Responsibilities
* Assessment and planning: Carry out strengths-based assessments and co-produce pathway plans with young people.
* Direct practice: Provide high-quality, relationship-based social work, including advocacy, risk management, and crisis intervention.
* Transitions support: Coordinate leaving-care pathways, ensuring smooth transitions to independent living, education, training, and employment.
* Multi-agency work: Build and maintain effective partnerships with housing providers, education and training providers, health services, and voluntary sector organisations.
* Case management: Maintain accurate records, meet statutory duties, and contribute to reviews and audits.
* Participation and empowerment: Promote participation of care leavers in service design and decision-making.
You will work closely as a team and with the Assistant Team Manager to ensure effective service delivery and contribute to the overall management of the team.
About You
* Qualified Social Worker with a valid Social Work England registration.
* Experience working in a children and family services environment.
* Sound knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, and statutory requirements.
* Excellent assessment, communication, and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
* Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a diverse caseload.
Benefits
* Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.
* Access to a wide range of relevant training and professional development opportunities.
* Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Family-friendly policies to support your personal and professional commitments.
* A range of local discounts on shopping, services, and leisure activities.
* You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 29 days per annum (plus public holidays) rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service.
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.
Contact & How to Apply
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Andreea Pop on 07799 400746 or email andreea.pop@westberks.gov.uk.
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.
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.
Safeguarding & Recruitment
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. Successful candidates will be offered employment subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
This privacy notice applies to job applicants applying for vacancies with West Berkshire Council: https://info.westberks.gov.uk/pnapplications
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