At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Community Team as a Senior Social Worker, making a real impact on residents' lives.
- Company: The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is a vibrant area known for its cultural attractions and community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme with life cover.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values creativity and innovation while driving meaningful change.
- Qualifications: You need a recognised Social Work qualification and experience in managing complex adult care cases.
- Other info: Diverse applicants are encouraged, and guaranteed interviews for eligible candidates from specific backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 38400 - 41000 £ per year.
We have exciting opportunities for Senior Social Workers to join the Community Team! These are full-time, permanent roles, with a salary of £44,496 - £48,946 per annum plus an annual retention bonus of £3,000 subject to eligibility.
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is looking for Senior Social Workers to join the Community Team. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents while contributing to a high-performing and supportive workplace.
About the team: The Community Team is comprised of Social Care Practitioners, Senior Social Care Practitioners, Social Workers, Senior Social Workers, all led by the Service Manager. Our responsibilities include receiving and recording referrals from statutory and non-statutory agencies as well as individuals. We complete care needs assessments, arrange care packages (both community and care home settings), care reviews, adult safeguarding, mental capacity assessments and representing the Council at various multi-disciplinary meetings.
The Role: As a Senior Social Worker, you will deliver statutory services to residents with eligible care needs by conducting outcome-focused assessments, creating tailored care plans, and ensuring their effective implementation. Alongside managing a caseload of complex assessments, you will provide supervision and support to team members, fostering their professional development and ensuring high-quality service delivery. You will work flexibly with the management team, lead on key projects, and chair meetings such as risk assessments and best interest decisions. With a focus on safeguarding adults at risk, achieving performance targets, and operating within budgetary constraints, you will play a vital role in driving continuous improvement and making a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents.
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. The 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.
What we are looking for:
- A recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
- Significant experience in adult social care, including managing complex caseloads.
- In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation and policies, including the Care Act 2014, the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Data Protection 1998, and the Human Rights Act 1998.
- Extensive experience in adult safeguarding.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise and support team members and students.
- The confidence to represent the RBWM in multi-agency settings and make sound decisions.
- A proactive, flexible approach to managing change and driving service improvement.
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.
The 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.
Interview dates: 12 March 2025
If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact Chorus Nyamakunda (Mr), Service Manager on chorus.nyamakunda@rbwm.gov.uk
Senior Social Worker (Community Team) employer: Optalis
Contact Detail:
Optalis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker (Community Team)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Care Act 2014 and other relevant legislation. Being well-versed in these laws will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and your understanding of the legal framework surrounding social work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. They can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your experience and how it aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of your leadership experience and how you've supported team members in the past. As a Senior Social Worker, you'll be expected to supervise and guide others, so showcasing your ability to foster professional development will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Community Team's recent projects and initiatives. Understanding their current focus areas will allow you to discuss how your skills and experiences can contribute to their ongoing efforts, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker (Community Team)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in adult social care, particularly managing complex caseloads. Emphasise your qualifications and any leadership roles you've held, as these are crucial for the Senior Social Worker position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Discuss your approach to conducting outcome-focused assessments and how you plan to support team members in their professional development.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly demonstrate your knowledge of relevant legislation such as the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Provide examples of how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your experience in safeguarding adults and your ability to represent the RBWM in multi-agency settings. Think about specific scenarios where you've made sound decisions under pressure.
How to prepare for a job interview at Optalis
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with key legislation such as the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will demonstrate your expertise and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully supervised and supported team members in the past. Highlighting your leadership experience will be crucial, as this role involves guiding others and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss complex cases you've managed and the strategies you employed to resolve issues. This will showcase your critical thinking skills and ability to handle challenging situations effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Community Team's current projects or challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.