At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-quality, person-centred practice in Adult Social Care and support workforce development.
- Company: Join a collaborative and inclusive local government team in Maidenhead.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: We value diversity and guarantee interviews for eligible candidates from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experienced social worker with a commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 47831 - 52414 £ per year.
Salary £47,831 – £52,414 per annum, plus an annual retention bonus of £3,000 subject to eligibility. Full‑time, 37 hours per week, based in Maidenhead.
Role Overview
As Practice Lead, you will lead the delivery of high‑quality, strengths‑based and person‑centred practice across Adult Social Care, providing expert professional advice, coaching and reflective development for the workforce.
Responsibilities
- Provide authoritative professional advice on complex casework, including safeguarding, mental capacity and risk management.
- Support and influence practice quality through reflective supervision, coaching and skills‑based development.
- Contribute to quality assurance activity, audits and service improvement.
- Support learning from safeguarding adult reviews, complaints and assurance activity.
- Play a central role in supporting ASYE and Social Work Apprenticeship programmes.
- Hold a small, flexible caseload to maintain practice credibility and support teams during periods of pressure.
- Work collaboratively with managers, partners and practitioners to strengthen outcomes for residents.
- Contribute to CQC assurance readiness and statutory compliance.
Qualifications
- Experienced, reflective and values‑driven social worker committed to continuous improvement and professional leadership.
- Recognised Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
- Significant post‑qualifying experience in statutory adult social care.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, the Mental Capacity Act and strengths‑based practice.
- Experience supporting and developing practitioners, students or newly qualified social workers.
- Ability to influence and improve practice through coaching, reflection and collaboration.
- Clear commitment to co‑production and working alongside residents and carers.
- Practice Educator and/or Best Interests Assessor qualifications are desirable but not essential.
Benefits
- 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.
- Generous local government pension scheme with life cover (3 times annual salary) and an Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
- 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 and encourages applications from all backgrounds. As an equal opportunities employer, we guarantee an interview to candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the role if they 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.
Practice Lead - Adult Social Care in Maidenhead employer: Optalis
As a Practice Lead in Adult Social Care at our Maidenhead location, you will thrive in a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With generous benefits such as 32 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a robust local government pension scheme, we are committed to fostering a collaborative environment where your expertise can shine and make a meaningful impact on the lives of residents. Join us to be part of a team that values continuous improvement and co-production, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Lead - Adult Social Care in Maidenhead
✨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 Optalis.
✨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 Optalis!
✨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 Optalis, 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 Optalis 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 Practice Lead - Adult Social Care in Maidenhead
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 Optalis:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Optalis! 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 Optalis
✨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.
