At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults and carers to live their best lives through assessment and guidance.
- Company: Join Wokingham Borough Council, an award-winning local authority with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, a pension scheme, and wellness perks like free gym access.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for learning and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career in social care.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
The predicted salary is between 42839 - 49282 £ per year.
We’re excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a qualified Social Worker to join our dedicated Adult Social Care Team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, permanent basis. As a Social Worker, you will work with a diverse range of individuals supporting them to live the life they choose. You’ll focus on what individuals can do, not just what support they need whilst getting to know the people you work with and what matters most to them. The work you do will enable carers to continue in their caring roles for as long as they choose and are able to.
This role sits within our first contact team which is the front door to Adult Social Care. The team provides advice, information and support to residents, carers and professionals, helping people access the right support when they need it. The team manages referrals, enquiries and safeguarding concerns, working closely with colleagues across health and social care to achieve the best outcomes for residents.
This is an exciting opportunity to join an Award-Winning Local Authority, and a service that currently scores third highest in the country following our recent CQC inspection, and we were especially proud to be rated ‘Outstanding’ for how we learn, improve, and come up with new ideas. This reflects our commitment to supporting our social workers to grow, share ideas, and deliver the very best outcomes for the people we support. You’ll be joining a friendly, supportive team that values collaboration and care. Whether you’re new to the role or bringing years of experience, you’ll be welcomed, encouraged, and supported to do your best work and make a real difference.
Wokingham Borough Council is proud to support #SocialCareFuture, a movement working to change how we think about social care. Its goal is simple: everyone should be able to live in a place they call home, with the people and things they love, in communities that care and help them do what matters most.
Staff Benefits
- Generous Annual Leave entitlement of 30 days (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- GP Helpline 7 days per week
- Employee Assistance Programme with a 24/7 confidential helpline
- Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines
- Free Onsite Gym (located at Shute End, Wokingham)
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes – including Car and Cycle to Work
- Local & Lifestyle Discounts – savings on shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and more
- Move through Menopause Course
- Sports & Social Group Activities – running, football, cricket, and more
- Learning & Development Opportunities
- Employee Networks
- And more!
Key responsibilities
- Assessing and reviewing the needs of adults and carers in line with the Care Act 2014
- Offering advice, guidance, and access to the right support services
- Carrying out risk assessments and developing safety plans
- Working in a person-centred way, respecting people’s dignity, culture, and wishes
- Using a strengths-based approach to help people live independently
- Working closely with carers, families, and partner organisations
Candidate requirements
- Qualified Social Worker (registered with Social Work England)
- A good understanding of social care law and professional practice
- Full Driving License and Daily Access to a Car
- A solution focused, compassionate team player
About Wokingham
Wokingham Borough sits in the heart of Berkshire, close to Reading and London, with great transport links. It’s a safe and thriving place to live and work, with good schools, open countryside, and a strong sense of community. Wokingham Borough Council has committed to becoming a Marmot borough to embed prevention, early intervention and address inequalities in all aspects of our work. This is especially important given the significant and continued growth of our Borough and the diversity of its residents.
Closing date: 13th September 2026, 11pm
Interview date: TBC
We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply. Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer. Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually. If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Social Worker - First Contact Team in Wokingham employer: Community Care Live
Community Care Live is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. With a supportive work culture, dedicated consultants, and a commitment to empowering individuals in the community, employees can expect meaningful work and opportunities for development in the heart of Devon. The company also offers competitive pay and additional benefits, making it an attractive choice for those looking to make a difference in the lives of others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - First Contact Team in Wokingham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Community Care Live.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Community Care Live!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Community Care Live, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Community Care Live or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - First Contact Team in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Community Care Live:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Community Care Live! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Community Care Live
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
