We are looking for an expert social worker to take on the non-case holding role of Parenting Assessor within our Family Safeguarding Team to make a real impact on children’s lives.
At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance.
To learn more about what it is like to work with us, take a look at our team's video .
If you would like an informal chat or a tour of the office prior to submitting your application, please contact helen.gore@bracknell-forest.gov.uk to arrange a suitable time.
Salary: This role attracts a 4% Annual Retention Payment after 1 year's service.
About you...
As a Parenting Assessor, you are a Senior Social Worker, who is passionate about making a difference for children and families. With curiosity, empathy and determination, you will build meaningful relationships, work collaboratively with partners, and help families find sustainable change.
You will bring your safeguarding skills and creativity to ensure every child is heard, valued, and protected.
As a Parenting Assessor, Senior Social Worker, you will have at least three years post-qualifying experience within children’s social care, that includes extensive experience in complex child protection cases, care planning and legal proceedings.
You will be Social Work England registered.
About the team...
Our Family Safeguarding Team, located at Time Square in Bracknell, is a dynamic, supportive group of professionals dedicated to safeguarding children and empowering families.
We pride ourselves on strong teamwork, close partnership working, and a culture of openness and reflection. You will find a friendly environment where your skills are valued, your wellbeing matters, and your professional development is supported.
You can read what our team have to say about working at Bracknell Forest via this link: Children's social care jobs | Bracknell Forest Council
Key responsibilities...
* Develop and deliver safeguarding plans that place children’s safety and wellbeing at the centre.
* Manage a varied caseload (CIN, CP, Care Proceedings, CLA) while maintaining accurate records in line with policy and GDPR.
* Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, contributing to service development and supporting colleagues.
* Participate in the team duty system, responding promptly to safeguarding concerns.
* Access regular reflective supervision, training, and professional development opportunities to strengthen practice and achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
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.
* Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.
* Paid employee volunteering scheme.
* Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover.
* Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility). [only applicable to roles on BG-G and above – delete if not relevant]
* Reimbursement of one annual professional subscription/registration
* 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.
Find out more about all our benefits or see the candidate pack.
Our values...
At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.
Reasonable adjustments...
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. We will work with you to support you throughout the process. Find out more about reasonable adjustments.
Interview date
Shortlisting will be done on a weekly basis, and interviews will be arranged a minimum of 7 days after this for suitable applicants.
Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.
We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised 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.