At a Glance
- Tasks: Support safe hospital discharges and help residents regain independence.
- Company: Bracknell Forest Council, a stable and supportive workplace.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, hybrid working, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values inclusivity and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Social Worker with experience in social care.
The predicted salary is between 51533 - 54767 £ per year.
£51,533 - £54,767 per year inclusive of London Weighting and Essential Car User allowance
Location: Time Square, Bracknell (Hybrid working)
Contract: Temporary
Working Pattern: Flexible Hours/Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check:
Closing Date: 25/09/2026 at 23:59
Reference: People/26/343992
Bring your social work expertise to a role where your decisions make a direct difference to residents and their families. As a Senior Social Worker in the Hospital Team, you will support safe and timely discharge, help people regain independence wherever possible and work with health and social care partners to achieve the best outcomes for each person.
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 and offer a variety of flexible working practices, including options for remote working and arrangements that allow you to work from home, dependent on the needs of the service. This is a full-time, fixed-term maternity cover contract.
We are looking for an experienced and confident Senior Social Worker to join our team. You must be registered with Social Work England (SWE) and have the skills and experience to provide high-quality social work practice. You will play a key role in supporting timely and safe hospital discharge, providing professional guidance and oversight, managing complex casework, and working collaboratively with health and social care partners. You will be committed to achieving positive, person-centred outcomes and ensuring residents receive the right support at the right time.
About the team... Our Adult Social Care service is made up of highly professional, supportive and collaborative multidisciplinary teams, all working together to make a real difference to the lives of our residents. We have a strong “can do” and “no wrong door” ethos, working as one service and going the extra mile to ensure people receive the right support, at the right time. We work closely with our health and other partners to help people remain well and independent in their communities, avoiding hospital admission wherever possible. When hospital care is needed, we work together to ensure people receive the right support and can return home as quickly and safely as possible, with their needs, wishes and wellbeing at the heart of every decision.
- Manage a caseload, organising and prioritising the workload effectively, with regular supervision and guidance.
- To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, connecting people and their families to their community and social networks enabling them to live within their own communities.
- To work collaboratively with multidisciplinary colleagues to ensure people have the right care, at the right time in the right place.
- To take a strengths-based approach to support people to live the best life they can and reduce dependence on long term care.
- To support in delivering and maintaining high standards of performance across the service.
- To work within allocated resources as set out in our scheme of delegation.
- To take an evidence-based approach to practice.
- Take an active part in your own supervision and appraisal in accordance with the departmental supervision policy and council's appraisal policy.
- Take responsibility for your own learning, including mandatory and recommended training.
- To lead on specific areas of work as required.
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. 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.
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.
Bracknell Forest Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and an inclusive employer. This means that if you tell us on your application form that you have a disability, are an armed forces veteran or are a care leaver, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.
Shortlisting will be carried out on a regular basis, and successfully shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview at a mutually convenient time. 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.
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. 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.
Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Senior Social Worker - Adult Social Care Hospital Team (12 months maternity cover) in Bracknell employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Bracknell Forest Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With flexible working arrangements, a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, and opportunities for career development, the Finance Officer role in the Migration Team allows you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Join a dedicated team that values collaboration and continuous learning, all within the vibrant community of Bracknell.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker - Adult Social Care Hospital Team (12 months maternity cover) in Bracknell
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Bracknell Forest Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker - Adult Social Care Hospital Team (12 months maternity cover) in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Bracknell Forest Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Bracknell Forest Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Bracknell Forest Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Senior Social Worker - Adult Social Care Hospital Team (12 months maternity cover) role at Bracknell Forest Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Bracknell Forest Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
