We are looking for a Social Worker to join our Assessment Team on a full-time, permanent basis.
About You
As a Social Worker in the Assessment Team, you will hold a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. You will have successfully completed your ASYE and have experience of frontline social work which includes child in need and child protection.
You will be able to demonstrate your analytical skills, ability to assess information and identify actions. You will have experience in completing comprehensive assessment of children’s needs which are timely and detailed and take account of children’s unique characteristics, including their culture, ethnicity, religion and any disabilities.
You will be passionate about relational social work and committed in joining our embedded culture and ethos of bettering vulnerable children’s lives.
To thrive in this role, you will bring an understanding of the key legislation, guidance, local policies and thresholds and have experience of working in a fast‑paced role. You will be comfortable working closely with a range of partners and working with children and families to develop plans that address their needs.
If you would like an informal chat or a tour of the office before submitting your application, please contact helen.gore@bracknell-forest.gov.uk and we will be happy to arrange a suitable time.
About the Team
In December 2025, Ofsted concluded that “since the last inspection, leaders, managers and practitioners have not only sustained outstanding services but have raised the bar even higher”.
The Assessment Team is the front door to Children’s Social Care and carries out short‑term, meaningful work directly with children, young people and their families. You will be part of a busy, supportive service that makes a real difference from the very first point of contact.
We work closely with our partners in MASH, where inspectors recognised that “the multi‑agency safeguarding hub (MASH) delivers a prompt, thorough response and receives good‑quality multi‑agency referral information”.
Our managers are highly committed to supporting the work of all Social Workers. Ofsted highlighted that managers provide “timely and consistent oversight” and offer the right guidance so staff clearly understand next steps. They were described as “confident and proficient” and noted to “understand risk exceptionally well”.
This means you will be part of a team that is “responsive to children’s experiences and prioritises safety planning”. Child protection strategy meetings are convened quickly, with strong multi‑agency attendance and effective information‑sharing, helping you and your colleagues to mitigate risks and improve the lives of vulnerable children.
We are a small, welcoming and friendly local authority where you will have the opportunity to build strong, positive and supportive working relationships with colleagues and peers. You will be a valued member of the team, where you will feel connected, appreciated, heard, accepted, included and supported.
To learn more about what it is like to work with us, take a look at our team's video.
Read more about our culture and what our staff say Children's social care culture | Bracknell Forest Council.
Key Responsibilities
* To carry out needs‑led child focused assessments which include outcome focused plans.
* To work alongside other professionals and partner agencies in assessing children in need and undertake child protection enquiries.
* To be the allocated Social Worker for duty caseload of single assessments under S17 and S47 investigations, with some short‑term work.
* To take part in the duty system responding to child protection concerns.
* To develop and maintain accurate case records and comply with the department's policies, procedures and guidelines including data protection and GDPR.
* To participate in regular reflective supervision and be able to set clear goals and intervention strategies.
Our Benefits
* 28 days annual leave increasing to 33 days after 3 years’ continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days.
* Paid employee volunteering scheme.
* Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover.
* Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility).
* Reimbursement of Social Work England registration.
* Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits. (Terms and Conditions apply)
* Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
* Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing.
* Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club.
Salary
£46,783 - £48,873 per year inclusive of London Weighting and Essential Car User Allowance. Plus a one‑off Welcome Payment of £6,000 subject to T&Cs and an annual 4% Retention Payment after 2 years.
Location & Contract
Location: Time Square, Bracknell
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Flexible Hours/Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: Enhanced
Closing Date: 01/03/2026 at 23:59
Reference: People/26/330276
Eligibility
We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK. Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case‑by‑case basis.
No Agencies
No agencies please.
Interview Process
Shortlisting will take place on a weekly basis, and candidates who are successfully shortlisted will be offered an interview at least seven days later. Interviews will be held in person, giving you the opportunity to meet the team and get a real feel for our working environment.
We will be reviewing applications regularly and may close the advert early if we identify suitable candidates. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.
Equal Opportunities
Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
How to Apply
Please apply online via the link provided.
Please include a personal statement with your CV specifying why you are applying for this vacancy.
Further Information
* Social Worker - Duty & Assessment JD/PS
* Candidate pack
* Welcome Payment Terms & Conditions
* Retention Payment T&Cs
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