Social Work Assistant in Reading

We are looking for a dedicated Social Work Assistant to join our Family Contact Centre team. This is a rewarding opportunity to work alongside Social Workers and partner agencies to provide practical support, undertake direct work with families and help achieve positive outcomes for vulnerable children and young people. In this role, you will support the delivery of care plans, contribute to safeguarding activity and help children, young people and families access the support they need. You'll be part of a service committed to improving outcomes and empowering families to make informed decisions about their future.

As a Social Work Assistant, you'll work directly with children, young people and families, providing practical and social support under the guidance of qualified Social Workers. You'll help deliver interventions identified through assessment, monitor progress and ensure children remain at the centre of all decision‑making. Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing a jointly allocated caseload of appropriate cases and supporting children and families to achieve positive outcomes.
• Undertaking planned direct work with children, young people and their families.
• Arranging and supervising court ordered family time with parents, children and foster carers.
• Monitoring and reviewing support packages and contributing to care planning.
• Maintaining accurate records, reports and case documentation.

You’ll also work closely with colleagues, schools, health professionals and partner agencies to coordinate support and safeguard children. The role requires strong professional judgement, effective communication skills and the ability to recognise and escape concerns appropriately.

We’re looking for a motivated and compassionate individual who is committed to supporting children and families to thrive. You’ll be confident building positive relationships, able to manage a varied workload and passionate about delivering high-quality services to vulnerable children and young people. To be successful in this role, you’ll have:

• Experience of working with children, young people and families.
• Knowledge of child development and parenting practice.
• An NVQ Level 3 qualification (or equivalent), or a willingness to work towards achieving it.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• The ability to assess situations, identify risks and take appropriate action.

You’ll be organised, resilient and able to maintain accurate and confidential records. You’ll also be comfortable working collaboratively with a wide range of professionals while demonstrating a strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Our offer includes 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.