At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide urgent social care support to children and families in crisis outside normal hours.
- Company: Join Bracknell Forest Council's dedicated Emergency Duty Service team.
- Benefits: Enjoy career development, a local government pension, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong team relationships and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives during critical moments.
- Qualifications: Two years' experience in senior social work, with knowledge of child protection.
The predicted salary is between 32243 - 39408 £ per year.
Ready to use your social work experience to make a difference when it matters most? Join the Berkshire Emergency Duty Service as a Casual Senior Social Worker, helping children, families and adults across Berkshire access urgent social care support outside normal working hours. Hosted by Bracknell Forest Council, the Berkshire Emergency Duty Service is a unique service providing out-of-hours emergency social care support across the whole of Berkshire.
This is a relief/casual role providing cover on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays on an as-required basis. There are no guaranteed hours, and shifts will be offered in line with service needs.
About you… As a Senior Social Worker, you will have at least two years’ experience working in a senior social work role, ideally within a Referral and Assessment or Child Protection team. You will have a thorough understanding of the Children’s legal framework, including relevant legislation, government guidance and directives relating to children, young people and their families. You will have extensive experience of undertaking complex Section 47 enquiries and managing complex cases involving safeguarding, Child in Need, children with mental health needs and behavioural difficulties. You will be confident in identifying risk, undertaking comprehensive assessments and implementing a range of appropriate interventions to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
About the team… Joining our team means becoming part of a supportive and dedicated service where you will have the opportunity to make a real difference. We believe in giving our people the time, support and resources they need to succeed, develop their skills and contribute their ideas to shaping the way we work. You will benefit from strong team relationships, supportive managers and access to expert advice whenever you need it.
This is an opportunity to be part of a team that makes a lasting impact, both through responding to urgent situations and through the smaller actions that make a meaningful difference to individuals, families and communities.
Key responsibilities
- Respond to out-of-hours referrals and emergency situations relating to Child Protection, Child in Need, Children Looked After and children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties.
- Undertake timely assessments, evaluate risk and make appropriate decisions to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.
- Respond to complex safeguarding concerns and undertake appropriate interventions in accordance with the Children’s legal framework, relevant legislation and statutory guidance.
- Provide effective social work support and intervention to children, families and carers experiencing crisis or requiring urgent assistance outside normal working hours.
- Respond to a range of wider social care emergencies, including housing and adult social care cases, as part of the service's generic out-of-hours remit.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, partner agencies and other emergency services to ensure appropriate responses and continuity of care.
- Develop and maintain a broad understanding of legislation, policies and procedures across different areas of social care, supported by relevant training and guidance.
You will receive training on the relevant legislation, practice and processes to enable you to function as a practitioner with generic social work knowledge.
Our benefits …
- Regular individual supervision and reflective peer group support led by a qualified practitioner.
- An inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks.
- Local government pension scheme.
- Life insurance cover (linked to the pension scheme).
- Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
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.
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.
Disability confident and inclusive recruitment
Bracknell Forest Council is proud to be an inclusive employer. This means that if you have made us aware on the application form that you have a disability, are an armed forces veteran or you are a care leaver, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.
Interview date
Interviews will be held the week beginning 23 November 2026. 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: Nalene Edwards-Caesar (Team Manager) or Shelli Read (Business Manager) on 01344 355050.
We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK. Please note that this particular role does not meet the minimum requirements for sponsorship under current UK Visas and Immigration regulations. As such, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.
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.
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.
Casual Senior Social Worker (Children's Services) - Emergency Duty Service 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 Casual Senior Social Worker (Children's Services) - Emergency Duty Service
✨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 Casual Senior Social Worker (Children's Services) - Emergency Duty Service
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 Casual Senior Social Worker (Children's Services) - Emergency Duty Service 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.
