At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect children and support families through effective safeguarding plans.
- Company: Bracknell Forest Council, committed to equality and community support.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, and a £6,000 welcome payment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in child protection and safeguarding.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Social Worker - Family Safeguarding Team role at Bracknell Forest Council.
Salary: £46,783 - £48,873 per year inclusive of London Weighting and Car User Allowance. Plus a one-off Welcome Payment of £6,000 and a 4% Retention Payment after 2 years.
Hours: 37 hours per week. Permanent full‑time contract.
About you: You will be a qualified and experienced Social Worker with a background in child in need, child protection and care proceedings. You will bring in-depth knowledge of safeguarding practices, legal powers and statutory duties, underpinned by a strong understanding of relevant legislation, policies and procedures. You will have demonstrated confidence in managing complex cases, maintaining accurate records and producing high‑quality assessments and reports within tight deadlines. Your approach is empathic, integrity‑driven and passionate about creating positive outcomes for children and their families.
Key responsibilities:
- Develop and implement effective safeguarding plans to protect children from harm.
- Work alongside other professionals as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Manage a caseload of Child in Need, Child Protection, Care Proceedings and Children Looked After.
- Take part in the team duty system responding to concerns as and when they arise.
- Prioritise workload effectively, ensuring timeliness in visiting, report writing and other deadlines.
- Participate in regular reflective supervision and set clear goals and intervention strategies.
- Maintain accurate case records and comply with department policies, procedures and guidelines including data protection and GDPR.
- Contribute to service development and learning opportunities for others.
Benefits:
- 28 days annual leave increasing to 33 days after 3 years’ continuous service, with the option 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 within the NHS and UKHSA for some benefits. (Terms & 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 supportive working environment with staff networks and social club.
Contact & Application: For an informal chat or to request a tour of the office, please contact helen.gore@bracknell-forest.gov.uk to arrange a suitable time. Questions about the role? Contact Maggie Mandecka – Team Manager – Maggie.Mandecka@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or Sharlie Horsted – Team Manager – Sharlie.Horsted@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to a DBS check as part of the pre‑employment checks process. Please apply online via the link provided.
Equal Opportunities: Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Social Worker - Family Safeguarding Team (plus Welcome Payment of £6000) employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Contact Detail:
Bracknell Forest Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Family Safeguarding Team (plus Welcome Payment of £6000)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to safeguarding and child protection. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using mock interview platforms to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for making a difference! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children and families in your previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on our career development opportunities – we’re all about helping you grow in your social work journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Family Safeguarding Team (plus Welcome Payment of £6000)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! We want to see your commitment to safeguarding children and making a positive impact on families. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you in this field.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role at Bracknell Forest Council. Highlight your relevant experience in child protection and care proceedings, and don’t forget to mention your understanding of safeguarding practices and legislation. We love seeing how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and makes the process smoother for you. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding practices, legal powers, and statutory duties. Being able to discuss relevant legislation confidently will show that you’re not just qualified but also genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've managed complex cases or developed effective safeguarding plans. This will help demonstrate your practical skills and how you can contribute to the Family Safeguarding Team.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves working alongside other professionals, be ready to talk about your experience in multi-disciplinary teams. Highlight how you’ve collaborated with others to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
✨Reflective Practice Matters
Be prepared to discuss how you engage in reflective supervision and set clear goals for your practice. This shows that you’re committed to continuous improvement and learning, which is crucial in social work.