At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a vibrant team to assess and support vulnerable adults in safeguarding.
- Company: Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, a dynamic council with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, attractive pension, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and offers excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Registered social worker with experience in safeguarding and S42 enquiries.
The predicted salary is between 40192 - 44012 £ per year.
Salary £40,192 - £44,012 per annum plus an annual retention bonus of £3,000 subject to eligibility. Contractual hours: 37. Basis: Full time. Package: Generous annual leave allowance and an attractive pension scheme, plus flexible working and much more.
We have an exciting opportunity for two Safeguarding Social Workers to join us! This role is based within the Safeguarding Adults Hub, a lively and vibrant team promoting Best Practice and Service Excellence. These are full-time, permanent roles with hybrid working, and a salary of £40,192 - £44,012 per annum, plus an annual retention bonus of £3,000 subject to eligibility. We are open to job share and part‑time applicants.
About us: The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country. The borough council – a unitary authority – takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. RBWM is a unique borough, with huge opportunity given its proximity to London and expanding business sectors, as well as being a major cultural and tourism area which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse.
This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic social worker to join our Safeguarding Hub. Why now? It’s a great time to join RBWM. We’ve started our transformation journey—Living Well Together—a vision shaped by staff that’s about helping residents live well and enabling our teams to work well together in a connected, compassionate, and forward‑thinking environment. We’re investing in new roles, new technology, and enhanced learning and development to support our teams and improve outcomes.
The role:
- To screen and triage Safeguarding referrals received from partner organisations to assess criteria for a S42 enquiry.
- To raise and respond to safeguarding concerns with relevant professionals to ensure the safety of the individuals we work with.
- To complete S.42 enquiries.
- To work in collaboration with partner agencies and ASC colleagues to ensure swift completion and appropriate conclusion to provider related S42 enquiries and implement a protection plan where required.
- To ensure individuals are supported in achieving their goals and outcomes.
- To ensure appropriate safeguarding processes are in place for those most vulnerable adults.
- To maximise the extent to which service users take control of their own lives whilst ensuring appropriate safeguards against risk are managed.
- To provide appropriate advice, support and advocacy to ensure that service users’ best interests are maintained.
This role will report to the Senior Social Worker within the Safeguarding Hub who will provide quality, monthly supervision and reflective spaces for shared learning opportunities. The team promotes an open learning culture, positive risk taking and personalisation of the Safeguarding process.
What we are looking for:
- Enthusiastic and proficient registered social workers who have experience working within Safeguarding; of undertaking S42 enquiries and supporting partner agencies with enquiry resolution and implementation of protection plans.
- The ideal candidates will have the ability to represent the Authority, at a multi‑agency level, in planning and reviewing service development.
- You will also have a clear understanding of Safeguarding protocols and the protection of vulnerable adults, supported by knowledge of all relevant legislation, specifically Adult Safeguarding (S42) under the Care Act 2014.
What we offer:
- 32 days annual leave
- 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.
- Free employee parking close to the offices.
- 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 individuals 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.
Social Worker (Safeguarding Hub) in Maidenhead employer: Optalis
Optalis is an exceptional employer, dedicated to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment for its culinary team at Bluebell House. With a strong focus on employee growth, comprehensive training programmes, and a generous benefits package including 25 days of annual leave and a Perkbox rewards scheme, staff are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the heart of Wokingham, the role offers the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of older individuals while working in a collaborative and caring atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Safeguarding Hub) 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 Social Worker (Safeguarding Hub) 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.
