At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to improve outcomes for children with disabilities and manage short break services.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a supportive and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, and a modern office environment.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant team dedicated to community success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification, registration, and three years' experience required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Working arrangements: Hybrid, 3 days a week in the office.
Reading Borough Council is looking for an experienced and passionate Social Worker to join our Children and Young People with Disabilities (CYPD) Team as a Short Break Child in Need Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to combine direct practice, leadership and specialist expertise to improve outcomes for children and young people with disabilities and their families. Working within our supportive and ambitious service, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality social work practice, managing short break services and supporting colleagues across the wider organisation.
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 role
- Manage and support Short Break Child in Need Practitioners and ASYE Social Workers.
- Hold a small caseload of complex children and family cases.
- Undertake and quality assure Mental Capacity Assessments (MCA).
- Provide guidance, mentoring and specialist support to social workers undertaking MCA work.
- Lead on legal case discussions relating to young people aged 16+ where restrictions and High Court applications may be required.
- Represent the service at Continuing Healthcare Panels and multi-agency meetings.
- Support transition planning for young people moving into adult services.
- Work closely with partners to develop and improve short break services and pathways.
- Promote high-quality, child-centred practice and positive outcomes for children and young people with disabilities.
About you
- We're looking for a skilled and motivated Social Worker who can demonstrate:
- A recognised Social Work qualification.
- Registration with Social Work England.
- At least three years' post-qualified social work experience.
- Experience working with children, young people and families.
- Experience undertaking Mental Capacity Assessments.
- Strong leadership, communication and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to manage complex situations, assess risk and make sound decisions.
- Commitment to reflective practice, continuous improvement and the development of others.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- Work Together as one team - champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading.
- Drive Efficiency - create an environment in which resources are used efficiently and employees’ skills are developed and used effectively.
- Be Ambitious - aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential.
- Make a Difference to Reading - inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity.
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the 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.
Closing Date: 26/08/2026
Interview Date: TBC
Interview Process: TBC
Short Breaks Manager in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Whitley Park Primary and Nursery School is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive community where educators can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development and a supportive work culture, teachers are encouraged to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a collaborative environment with dedicated colleagues. Located in a welcoming area, this school prioritises the welfare of its staff and students, making it an ideal place for passionate educators to grow and succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Short Breaks Manager 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 Reading Borough 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 Reading Borough 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 Reading Borough 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 Reading Borough 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 Short Breaks Manager 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 Reading Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Reading Borough 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 Reading Borough 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.
