At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with mental health needs and promote recovery through strength-based practice.
- Company: Join the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, a leader in social care innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and registration with Social Work England required.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Social Worker to join our Mental Wellbeing Service! This is a full-time, permanent role with hybrid working, and a salary of £40,192 - £44,012 per annum, plus an annual retention bonus of £3,000 subject to eligibility.
About us: The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is located within the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas in the country. The Borough Council, a unitary authority, takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about delivering high-quality, rights-based social care. RBWM is a unique borough, offering significant opportunity due to its proximity to London, expanding business sectors, and its role as a major cultural and tourism destination.
With strong partnerships across health and social care, including our Mental Health Trust, this is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic Social Worker who wishes to practise specialist mental health social work within a supportive and forward-thinking service.
The role: As a Mental Health Social Worker, you will play a vital statutory role in supporting adults with mental health needs, promoting recovery, strength-based practice and safeguarding rights. You will work with people in their own homes, hospital settings, supported care environments, contributing to integrated pathways across primary and secondary mental health services.
Your role will involve:
- Undertake statutory social work interventions for adults with mental health needs, including Care Act assessments, reviews, safeguarding enquiries, mental capacity assessments, support planning and Section 117 aftercare responsibilities.
- Support individuals with complex mental health needs, applying professional judgement, legal literacy and strengths-based practice to promote recovery, wellbeing, independence and least restrictive outcomes.
- Assess and manage risk, working confidently with safeguarding concerns, vulnerability, self-neglect, mental health crises and complex decision-making.
- Work collaboratively with individuals, carers and partner agencies, building effective relationships across health, housing, voluntary sector and statutory services to coordinate care and achieve positive outcomes.
- Promote social work values and continuous improvement, advocating for people's rights and voices whilst contributing to a culture of reflective practice, professional curiosity, learning and service development.
What we are looking for:
- An enthusiastic and committed Social Worker who is passionate about supporting adults.
- A Degree in Social Work and registration with Social Work England.
- You will have a strong understanding of adult safeguarding procedures and legislation (e.g., Care Act 2014).
- You will share our commitment to promoting independence, recovery, wellbeing and social inclusion, enabling people to live fulfilling lives within their communities.
- You will be confident in delivering high-quality, strengths-based social work and able to apply sound, legally defensible professional judgement in complex and often challenging situations.
- A commitment to continuous learning, reflective practice and professional development is essential.
What we offer: In return, we offer a supportive and progressive working environment where social work is valued and professional development is actively encouraged.
- 32 days annual leave.
- Payment of Social Work England registration renewal fees.
- Free employee parking close to the offices.
- Flexible working including a hybrid working pattern for a better work-life balance.
- Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary); and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.
- Give As You Earn scheme.
- Instant Reward Scheme to recognise and reward innovative achievement.
- Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
- Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.
RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities' employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger.
If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.
Please note: This is a statutory social work role within Adult Social Care. Applicants should be able to demonstrate knowledge and practical application of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and adult safeguarding legislation. Candidates will be expected to discuss how they have applied these legal frameworks during the interview process.
If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact Suzanne Michael (Service Team Manager - Mental Wellbeing Service) on Suzanne.Michael@rbwm.gov.uk.
Social Worker (Mental Wellbeing Service) in Thatcham employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
North Yorkshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. As a Strategic Occupational Health Partner, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on workforce health while benefiting from ongoing development opportunities in a collaborative environment dedicated to public health.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Mental Wellbeing Service) in Thatcham
✨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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
✨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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council!
✨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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council, 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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council 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 (Mental Wellbeing Service) in Thatcham
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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kirklees Metropolitan Council! 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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨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.
