Job description
As our Principal Social Worker (PSW), you will be the professional lead for adult social work in Reading. This pivotal role ensures the delivery of high-quality, strengths-based practice that achieves the best outcomes for individuals.
At Reading we're proud to be ranked 1st in the Southeast and 3rd nationally in LGA Healthcheck for Social Workers. Evidencing our commitment to excellence, innovation, and making a real impact. This result reflects the passion and dedication our workforce shows to the people of Reading. When you join us, you'll be part of a team that is Striving for Excellence and celebrates success together.
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.
We support hybrid working, it's important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you'll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.
About the role:
* Provide leadership and professional support to social workers.
* Develop and embed best practice systems across Adult Social Care.
* Work closely with senior leaders, frontline teams, and stakeholders to shape policy and improve standards.
* Report directly to the Deputy Director and meet regularly with the Executive Director for Communities and Adult Social Care.
* Shaping the future of social work practice in Reading.
About You:
We are seeking an inspirational, innovative leader who brings:
* Social Work England registration and a recognised qualification.
* Extensive experience in Adult Social Care, with a proven track record in leadership and practice improvement.
* Expert knowledge of legislation, policy, and best practice.
* Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships.
* A commitment to embedding strengths-based, person-centred practice.
How we support:
* Excellent support, supervision, and induction.
* Opportunities to extend your skills and build your CPD portfolio.
As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you'll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading
Drive Efficiency - create an environment in which resources are used efficiently and employees' skills are developed and used effectively
Be Ambitious - aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential
Make a Difference to Reading - inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity
Our offer:
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you'll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
* Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
* Maternity, adoption, parental and sick pay
* A wide range of flexible working opportunities
* Access to a range of training and learning opportunities to help you develop
* Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
* Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
* On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted, and a salary sacrifice scheme to help lower the cost of your nursery fees
* Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
* Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
* Salary sacrifice scheme for Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) to help you save for your retirement
If you would like to find out more about this role and the team please contact Jo Purser (Deputy Director - Safeguarding, Quality & Practice)
Closing date: Monday 26th January 2026
Interview date: Wednesday 4th February 2026
Interview setup: In person at the Civic Offices. Bridge Street, Reading
Visit: to find out more about Reading's Community & Adult Social Care Services. It's a chance to hear from the people who already work here and why they have chosen Reading as their professional destination.