Social Worker - Supported Living Services

Reading Borough Council is seeking a passionate, creative and strengths‑based Social Worker to join an exciting programme focused on promoting independence, wellbeing and personalised approaches for adults with care and support needs.
This is a unique opportunity to work in a specialist role dedicated to improving how we support people to live the lives they want, build on their strengths and networks, and have choice and control over the support they receive.
About the Role
As a Social Worker in this innovative programme you will work with people across a range of community settings to promote self‑determination, resilience and independence. Your work will focus on enabling people to identify what matters to them and to create personalised, outcome‑focused plans that build on existing strengths, family and community networks, and creative solutions.
Responsibilities
Champion strengths‑based, person‑centred practice in all interactions.
Work collaboratively with individuals, families and partners to promote independence, choice and improved quality of life.
Support the development of best practice approaches and contribute to continuous service improvement.
Work closely with the project Occupational Therapist, provider partners, Housing Services and Health colleagues to enable holistic solutions.
Apply legislation, policy and professional frameworks confidently and ethically.
Contribute to shaping innovative, creative and empowering ways of working across Adult Social Care in Reading.
Supported Living
We currently support around 380 people living in supported living services, delivered by approximately 50 providers, ranging from a few hours of weekly support to 24/7 services.
Our Aim
Embed strengths‑based, outcome‑focused support planning.
Increase the use of assistive technology and digital solutions.
Ensure reablement and enablement approaches are central to support.
Support people to move towards greater independence where possible.
Ensure services are co‑produced with the people who live in them.
Implement and embed the REACH standards consistently across the market.
The role requires the ability to undertake regular home visits to ensure meaningful engagement and timely support. Applicants must be confident working independently in the community, managing their own schedule, and responding professionally to a range of situations within the home environment.
The post also requires flexibility to complete urgent or unplanned visits at short notice when the needs arise, ensuring that risk is assessed promptly and appropriate action is taken to keep people safe.
About you
You will hold a degree in Social Work and be registered with Social Work England. An interest in supported living and in exploring and developing new ways of working is important, along with being open to innovation and change both as a participant and a leader. You will demonstrate a passion for improving services for people, strong influencing skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with team members, providers and partner organisations.
About Reading
We offer excellent support, supervision and induction. You will have access to our Learning and Development programme and be supported in your career and personal growth with opportunities to learn and develop new professional skills, helping you build your Continuing Professional Development portfolio and grow as a Social Worker.
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 – work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
Drive Efficiency – show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency.
Be Ambitious – be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
Make a Difference to Reading – maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
Our offer
Competitive salary.
Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus