At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children and families as a Social Worker in a dedicated team.
- Company: Join Bracknell Forest Council, a stable and supportive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values collaboration and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Social Worker with relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 35200 £ per year.
Join our dedicated Family Placement Team within our Children's Social Care service as an experienced Social Worker, helping to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people we support. This is a part-time, fixed-term position, working 29.6 hours per week over 4 days, offered as maternity cover for up to 12 months.
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. This role includes an expectation to work from our Time Square office a minimum of 2 - 3 days per week, alongside flexible working arrangements.
About you… As a Social Worker, you are an experienced practitioner who is talented, passionate and reliable. Current registration with Social Work England is essential as well as experience of working within the legal frameworks that support our work. You will have a sound knowledge of relevant child care legislation, good report writing and oral communication skills and the ability to work to court and fostering panel timescales. A strong communicator who values collaboration and works effectively with colleagues, carers and partner agencies, you are confident in undertaking assessments, presenting information clearly and making balanced, child-focused recommendations with experience in completing Form F, Special Guardianship and Connected Person assessments.
About the team… The Family Placement Team is a small, welcoming and highly supportive team where strong working relationships are key. We recognise that our work can be complex, so we prioritise peer support, open communication and shared problem-solving. We work closely with Children’s Social Workers and other professionals to ensure that vulnerable children receive the best possible care and support. Our team is responsible for assessing prospective foster carers, special guardians, connected persons and private foster carers, as well as contributing to foster carer recruitment and delivering training to support carers in their role. You will be part of a team that values quality practice and takes pride in ensuring children are placed locally with suitable carers whenever possible. With supportive managers, knowledgeable colleagues and dedicated administrative support, you will have the time and space to focus on meaningful work and build strong relationships with those you support.
Key responsibilities…
- To supervise and support foster carers, liaising with Social Workers, senior practitioners and Family Workers to enable them to support foster carers and young people appropriately.
- To support the recruitment and assessment process of foster carers to enable more of our vulnerable children to be placed in local placements, near to their family and friends.
- To work with the child’s Social Worker to achieve permanence for the child, whether this be through long term fostering or special guardianship.
This role will enable you to continually develop your skills and knowledge, as well as contribute to the ongoing improvement of the services and support we deliver.
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). 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.
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.
Disability confident and inclusive recruitment... 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.
Interview date Interviews will be held on the 2nd or 4th December 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.
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 an Enhanced and Barred Child Workforce 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. Please note that this particular role is part-time and therefore 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. 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 include a personal statement with your CV specifying why you are applying for this vacancy.
Social Worker - Family Placement Team (maternity cover up to 12 months FTC, part time 29.6 hrs p/w) in Bracknell employer: Bracknell Forest Internal
Bracknell Forest Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to work-life balance, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive environment, you will thrive in a culture that values innovation and collaboration. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children, young people, and families while enjoying generous benefits and opportunities for career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Family Placement Team (maternity cover up to 12 months FTC, part time 29.6 hrs p/w) in Bracknell
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Bracknell Forest Internal, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Bracknell Forest Internal. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Bracknell Forest Internal's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Family Placement Team (maternity cover up to 12 months FTC, part time 29.6 hrs p/w) in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Bracknell Forest Internal. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Bracknell Forest Internal.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Internal
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Bracknell Forest Internal.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Social Worker - Family Placement Team (maternity cover up to 12 months FTC, part time 29.6 hrs p/w) at Bracknell Forest Internal.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Bracknell Forest Internal that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Social Worker - Family Placement Team (maternity cover up to 12 months FTC, part time 29.6 hrs p/w) role.
