“We are going places — join us on the journey of possibility.” Champion Children. Empower Families. Shape Brighter Futures. Do you have a passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of children? Are you looking for a place where you can truly shape the life chances of children and young people? Are you a committed social worker ready to bring your energy, purpose and creativity to a team driven by doing what’s right for families? If yes, then join us in Reading, where our Assessment Team plays a vital role in safeguarding children and supporting families when they need us most. As an Assessment Social Worker, you will complete single assessments for Children in Need and Child Protection and provide time-limited support to help families prevent or overcome crisis, reducing the need for ongoing statutory intervention. You will ensure that were children need continued support, that you support with a robust transition. We are focusing on strengths, relationships and purposeful partnership with families. We believe that with the right support, families can overcome challenges and thrive — and you will be central to that journey. Our framework is built on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement, with children firmly at the centre of everything we do. By fostering strong partnerships with schools, health professionals, social care teams and the voluntary sector, we strive for a coordinated, responsive and inclusive system of support. We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. About the Role You will need to be a qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England. As a Social Worker in our Assessment Team, you will: Undertake child-centred, timely statutory assessments with families for both Children in Need and Child Protection with the required timescales Work directly with children, young people and families to identify strengths, understand risk and shape effective intervention plans Hold and manage a varied and dynamic caseload with reflective supervision and strong professional support Support a robust transition to Together for Families when additional support is required Attend and contribute to all relevant meetings including ICPC’s, CIN Meetings and other meetings are required to ensure children and their families are supported appropriately. Take part in the duty rota as direct by the Assistant/Team Manager offering a responsive service. Collaborate with partner agencies to ensure families receive the right help at the right time Make sound, evidence-based decisions that support children’s safety, wellbeing and long-term outcomes You will report directly to a Team Manager, receive regular individual and group supervision, and be supported to develop your skills and confidence at every stage of your career. Why Join Reading’s Assessment Team? Based in the city centre’s Civic Offices, our Assessment Team works closely with the Single Point of Access service, guided by a shared ethos: getting it right first time and keeping children at the centre. This is a dynamic, city-wide service where social workers operate in a fast-paced environment with: High levels of support Regular reflective supervision Visible, approachable managers Great teams who are ambitious for children Agile working for greater flexibility About Reading Reading is a vibrant town in Berkshire, England, known for its rich history and dynamic modern character. Once a medieval hub with its famous abbey founded by Henry I, it has grown into a thriving centre for business, culture, and education. The River Thames and River Kennet weave through the town, offering scenic walks and a sense of calm amid urban life. Reading is celebrated for its annual music festival, one of the UK’s most iconic, which draws visitors from across the globe. With a blend of historic landmarks, bustling shopping districts, and green spaces, Reading embodies both heritage and progress, making it a place where tradition meets innovation. With 24.2% of our residents aged 0–19, Reading is a community where children and young people are at the heart of local identity. Our Offer to You A warm, inclusive team committed to doing what’s right for children Competitive pay and conditions, including hybrid working A rich practice development programme Access to training in the Family Safeguarding Model Reflective supervision prioritising wellbeing and professional resilience A comprehensive wellbeing and workforce offer supporting you emotionally, practically and professionally In Reading, children matter — and so do you. We are building a culture where social workers feel valued, trusted and supported to reach their full potential. We are building a culture where social workers feel valued, trusted and supported to reach their full potential. Closing Date: Sunday 1st March 2026 Interview Date: To be confirmed Interview Type: To be confirmed Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme Disability Confident About Disability Confident A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .