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- Tasks: Respond to urgent social care emergencies and manage complex cases involving children.
- Company: Bracknell Forest Council is dedicated to providing high-quality social care across Berkshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, career development, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working in a collaborative and inclusive team.
- Qualifications: Must have at least two years of senior-level experience in social work.
- Other info: Interviews will be held in person, allowing you to meet the team and see the workplace.
The predicted salary is between 39400 - 42000 £ per year.
Senior Social Worker (Children\’s Services)
Join to apply for the Senior Social Worker (Children\’s Services) role at Bracknell Forest Council
Senior Social Worker (Children\’s Services)
23 hours ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Join to apply for the Senior Social Worker (Children\’s Services) role at Bracknell Forest Council
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About You…
You are a highly skilled and experienced Senior Social Worker with at least two years’ experience at a senior level, ideally within referral and assessment or child protection teams. You have a solid understanding of the Children’s legal framework, government legislation, and relevant directives. You are confident handling complex Section 47 enquiries, managing high-risk cases and working with children experiencing mental health or behavioural challenges.
About You…
You are a highly skilled and experienced Senior Social Worker with at least two years’ experience at a senior level, ideally within referral and assessment or child protection teams. You have a solid understanding of the Children’s legal framework, government legislation, and relevant directives. You are confident handling complex Section 47 enquiries, managing high-risk cases and working with children experiencing mental health or behavioural challenges.
Your deep knowledge of social care legislation, combined with a broad range of frontline social work experience, sets you apart. You bring a strong commitment to the core values of social care and are known for your clear, compassionate communication, both written and verbal. Your strong assessment and negotiation skills enable you to act decisively and sensitively in difficult situations.
About The Team…
The Berkshire Emergency Duty Service (EDS), hosted by Bracknell Forest Council, is a unique out-of-hours emergency social care service covering all six Berkshire local authorities. We are a close-knit, supportive team of dedicated professionals working collaboratively to provide high-quality, urgent care when it is needed most.
Our strength lies in our people. We foster an environment where everyone has the time, support, and space to think critically, share ideas, and grow in their role. Our strong management relationships and expert guidance mean you are never working alone. EDS is a place where your voice matters, your expertise is valued, and your development is a priority.
Key responsibilities…
- Respond to out-of-hours social care emergencies, including Child Protection, Child in Need, Children Looked After, and Children’s Mental Health cases, in accordance with the Children’s legal framework and relevant guidance.
- Undertake complex Section 47 enquiries and assess risk in high-pressure situations.
- Manage a range of complex cases involving safeguarding, mental health, behavioural issues, and multi-agency interventions.
- Apply your knowledge across children’s and adult social care, as EDS is a generic emergency service (training will be provided).
- Provide professional, high-quality written and verbal communication to ensure accurate case recording and handover.
- Work collaboratively with health, housing, and emergency services to deliver safe, coordinated responses.
- Uphold the values of social care and champion best practices that put children, families, and vulnerable adults at the centre of your work.
Our benefits…
- An attractive and competitive salary with 28 days* annual leave increasing to 33 days* after 3 years’ continuous service.
- The opportunity to buy up to 10 additional days* annual leave per year and sell 5 days.
- Regular individual supervision and reflective peer group support led by a qualified practitioner
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice for an electric car at a fixed monthly cost (subject to eligibility).
- An inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks.
- Local government pension scheme.
- Life insurance cover (linked to the pension scheme)
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
- Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits such as annual leave entitlements, occupational maternity/paternity leave, and more. (Terms and Conditions apply – please refer to candidate pack for more information.)
- Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing.
- Sports and Social Club.
- Staff dental and health plans.
- Discounted leisure centre and gym membership.
- Supermarket discount.
- (pro rata for part time)
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.
Interview date
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 29 July 2025
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.
Want to ask us a question?
For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:
Shelli Read, Emergency Duty Service Business Manager, Phone number: 01344 353465
At Bracknell Forest we champion equality, diversity and inclusion. At Bracknell Forest Council, we are always learning, ambitious and inclusive. Please see our candidate pack for more details.
Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check as part of our pre-employment checks process.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate experience of working within the current Social Care System and Framework.
Social Work England registration fees can be claimed back from the Council.
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 please.
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 note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.
Senior Social Worker (Children\’s Services)
Employer:
Bracknell Forest Council
Salary:
£47,437 – £50,470 inclusive of London Weighting, plus 20% responsibilities allowance.
Location:
Berkshire Emergency Duty Service, Bracknell, United Kingdom
Contract:
Permanent
Working Pattern:
Evenings/Full Time/Weekends
Hours:
37 hours per week.
DBS Check:
Enhanced
Closing Date:
21/07/2025 at 23:59
Reference:
People/25/318111
About The Team…
The Berkshire Emergency Duty Service (EDS), hosted by Bracknell Forest Council, is a unique out-of-hours emergency social care service covering all six Berkshire local authorities. We are a close-knit, supportive team of dedicated professionals working collaboratively to provide high-quality, urgent care when it is needed most.
Our strength lies in our people. We foster an environment where everyone has the time, support, and space to think critically, share ideas, and grow in their role. Our strong management relationships and expert guidance mean you are never working alone. EDS is a place where your voice matters, your expertise is valued, and your development is a priority.
Key responsibilities…
- Respond to out-of-hours social care emergencies, including Child Protection, Child in Need, Children Looked After, and Children’s Mental Health cases, in accordance with the Children’s legal framework and relevant guidance.
- Undertake complex Section 47 enquiries and assess risk in high-pressure situations.
- Manage a range of complex cases involving safeguarding, mental health, behavioural issues, and multi-agency interventions.
- Apply your knowledge across children’s and adult social care, as EDS is a generic emergency service (training will be provided).
- Provide professional, high-quality written and verbal communication to ensure accurate case recording and handover.
- Work collaboratively with health, housing, and emergency services to deliver safe, coordinated responses.
- Uphold the values of social care and champion best practices that put children, families, and vulnerable adults at the centre of your work.
Our benefits…
- An attractive and competitive salary with 28 days* annual leave increasing to 33 days* after 3 years’ continuous service.
- The opportunity to buy up to 10 additional days* annual leave per year and sell 5 days.
- Regular individual supervision and reflective peer group support led by a qualified practitioner
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice for an electric car at a fixed monthly cost (subject to eligibility).
- An inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks.
- Local government pension scheme.
- Life insurance cover (linked to the pension scheme)
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
- Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits such as annual leave entitlements, occupational maternity/paternity leave, and more. (Terms and Conditions apply – please refer to candidate pack for more information.)
- Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing.
- Sports and Social Club.
- Staff dental and health plans.
- Discounted leisure centre and gym membership.
- Supermarket discount.
- (pro rata for part time)
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.
Interview date
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 29 July 2025
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.
Want to ask us a question?
For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:
Shelli Read, Emergency Duty Service Business Manager, Phone number: 01344 353465
At Bracknell Forest we champion equality, diversity and inclusion. At Bracknell Forest Council, we are always learning, ambitious and inclusive. Please see our candidate pack for more details.
Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check as part of our pre-employment checks process.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate experience of working within the current Social Care System and Framework.
Social Work England registration fees can be claimed back from the Council.
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 please.
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 note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.
Further information on this vacancy
- Job Description and Candidate Pack
- Candidate Pack
Apply Online
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Senior Social Worker (Children\'s Services) employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Contact Detail:
Bracknell Forest Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker (Children\'s Services)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific legal frameworks and government legislation relevant to children's services. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Bracknell Forest Council, especially those in the Emergency Duty Service. They can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions that may arise during the interview. Think about your past experiences handling complex cases and how you applied your assessment and negotiation skills in high-pressure situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Mention any relevant training or certifications you've completed, as well as your willingness to engage in further training offered by the council.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker (Children\'s Services)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise your experience in social work, particularly in referral and assessment or child protection teams. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle complex cases and Section 47 enquiries.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the Children’s legal framework and government legislation. Mention any relevant training or certifications that support your expertise in this area.
Communicate Clearly: Since clear communication is vital in this role, ensure your application is well-structured and free of jargon. Use concise language to convey your thoughts effectively, both in your CV and cover letter.
Align with Company Values: Familiarise yourself with Bracknell Forest Council's core values of inclusivity, ambition, and continuous learning. Tailor your application to reflect how your personal values align with theirs, showcasing your commitment to social care.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Children’s legal framework and relevant government legislation. Be prepared to discuss how these laws impact your work and provide examples from your experience.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Highlight your experience with complex Section 47 enquiries and managing high-risk cases. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills in handling challenging situations, especially those involving mental health or behavioural issues.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since clear communication is vital in social work, be ready to demonstrate your written and verbal communication abilities. You might be asked to explain how you ensure accurate case recording and effective handovers.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Discuss your experience working collaboratively with other agencies, such as health and housing services. Highlight how you contribute to a team environment and support your colleagues in delivering coordinated responses.
