At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with physical disabilities and older people in their care journey.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a Disability Confident Employer committed to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on positive outcomes for residents.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and registration with Social Work England required.
The predicted salary is between 35412 - 44075 £ per year.
We are looking for a qualified Social Worker to come and join the Physical Disability and Older People (PDOP) Social Care team. Wherever you are in your own career journey, we’re committed to offering the support and development you need. We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About The Team
The PDOP Team works closely with other teams here at RBC who are involved with the delivery of Adult Social Care. The PDOP team forms part of the Living Well Service of ASC where the Mental Health and Learning Disability and Neurodiversity (LDN) team are also members. A Head of Service oversees all work and responsibilities of the Living Well Service.
Team Vision: ‘To maximise the quality of life of Reading residents who have a long-term physical disability or are over 65 years of age and have care act eligible needs using a strength based and problem solving approach.’
About The Role
The team is focused on supporting people who require unplanned reviews of their existing care and support or have been identified by the Advice and Well Being Hub in need of ongoing care and support. We also undertake S.42 safeguarding enquiries and BIA assessments and carry out various legal undertakings in partnership with the Joint Legal Team. We operate and adhere to the legal framework for adults; Care Act 2014, MCA 2005, DoLS, 2008 (and where appropriate Mental Health Act 1983 (2007), to work with people in a strengths-based way to promote wellbeing, rights and independence, prevent the need for care and bring about timely interventions with positive outcomes.
Our aim is to be a high performing, efficient, multidisciplinary team focusing on TEAM Reading values that supports and values staff and the skills and diversity they bring to the team. Working as a Social Worker in PDOP you will be part of a friendly and supportive team, where development and training are encouraged. We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate great communication skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with colleagues, services users and health care providers.
Duties Include:
- To complete timely Care Act assessments with a strength-based focus, delivering positive outcomes for the individuals of Reading.
- To promote the use of direct payments to give individuals the flexibility in how they meet their needs.
- To work with all families and carers ensuring that carers assessments are completed to promote support to individuals with a caring role.
- To develop close and effective relationships with providers, community voluntary services, and health professionals.
- To complete Mental Capacity Act Assessments to a high standard.
- Undertake community DOLs and prepare records for Court of Protection.
- To be a high performing, efficient, supportive and outcome focused team member who together embed the principles of TEAM Reading.
- To work with the whole team including OT’s and Social Care Co-ordinators to ensure a holistic assessment of need using a strengths-based approach.
- To support on duty when required.
- To hold a varied caseload and contribute to the team performance and positive outcomes for our residents.
This post offers opportunities to improve your skills and experience in Adult Social Care with high quality, client-led, interventions to service users in their own homes, in a friendly and supportive team. You will work within the legal framework provided by the statute, guidance, policies and procedures.
You Will Need To Have:
- A degree or equivalent in Social Work.
- Registration with Social Work England.
- Understanding of the Care Act 2014.
- Understanding of The Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended 2007).
- Other legislation linked to Mental Health.
We offer excellent support, supervision and induction. You will have access to our Learning and Development programme and be supported in your career and personal growth with opportunities to learn and develop new clinical skills, helping you to build your Continuing Professional Development portfolio, extending your skills and supporting you to grow as a social worker.
Benefits:
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- Maternity, adoption, parental and sick pay.
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
- Access to a range of training and learning opportunities to help you develop.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
- Salary sacrifice scheme for Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) to help you save for your retirement.
Closing date: Monday 31st August 2026. Interview date: To be confirmed.
If you would like to find out more about this role and the team, please contact Pip Durant (PDOP Team Manager) on 07815 701 876 or pippa.durant@reading.gov.uk. Visit: www.moretoreading.co.uk to find out more about Reading’s Community & Adult Social Care Services.
Social Worker – Physical Disability and Older People Social Care Team in Reading employer: Local Government South East
Reading Borough Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Social Workers in the Physical Disability and Older People Social Care Team. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including flexible working opportunities, and a focus on teamwork and community impact, you will find meaningful and rewarding employment that allows you to grow both personally and professionally in the vibrant town of Reading.
Contact Details:
Local Government South East Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker – Physical Disability and Older People Social Care Team in Reading
✨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 Local Government South East.
✨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 Local Government South East!
✨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 Local Government South East, 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 Local Government South East 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 – Physical Disability and Older People Social Care Team in Reading
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 Local Government South East:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Local Government South East! 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 Local Government South East
✨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.
