Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in their journey to independence through innovative social work practices.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a community-focused Local Authority dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and access to professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and registration with Social Work England required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to improving services for our community.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
We are a Local Authority committed to serving our community and improving the lives of our residents, and we are currently seeking a motivated and talented Social Worker to join us for an exciting new 3 year project focused on developing our Supported Living Market. We’re looking for individuals with excellent communication skills and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, service users, and healthcare providers. 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
You will hold a varied caseload across supported living services in and out of the Reading Borough and contribute to the team performance and positive outcomes for our residents. You will work closely with the allocated project Occupational Therapist, care providers, Housing Services, and Health colleagues, while operating within the legal framework of relevant legislation, guidance, policies, and procedures.
The Supported Living Project
We currently have around 380 people living in supported living services through accommodation-based services and community outreach. We work with around 50 providers to deliver a range of services from a few hours a week to multiple staff‑24/7 services. The project is designed to put people we support, innovation, and outcome-based support planning at the core of the services. We want to work with our supported living providers to improve outcomes for individuals and ensure that everyone in supported living have person‑centred, strengths based support plans with clear outcomes, that support the person to be as independent as they can be. We want to work with people, their families and providers to:
- Develop tech-based options
- Ensure reablement/enablement approaches are core to services
- Evidence outcome based working is in every support plan and regularly reviewed
- Support moves on to independence (where we can)
- Ensure people are reaching their potential
- Ensure services are co‑produced with the people who live in them
- Implement the REACH standards throughout the market
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 to build your Continuing Professional Development portfolio and supporting you to 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.
- Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
- 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
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- Maternity, adoption, parental and sick pay.
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
- Access to a range of training and learning opportunities to help you develop.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (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 and road tax.
- Salary sacrifice scheme for Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) to help you save for your retirement.
Applications will be reviewed upon submission. Interview date To be confirmed.
Contact
If you would like to find out more about this role and the team, please contact Sandra Sheldon – Review Team – Team Manager - sandra.sheldon@reading.gov.uk or call 07834 802 697.
Visit: www.moretoreading.co.uk to find out more about Reading’s Community & Adult Social Care Services. It’s a chance to hear from the people who already work here and why they have chosen Reading as their professional destination.
Social Worker - Supported Living Services employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Supported Living Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Reading Borough Council on LinkedIn or through community events. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Social Worker role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the Supported Living Project. Understand its goals and how you can contribute. Bring ideas to the table that align with their vision of person-centred support.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills during the interview! Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, as building relationships is key in this role. Remember, it’s all about connecting with people.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find more resources and insights about the role and the team there.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Supported Living Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for social work and supported living shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference in people's lives, so share your experiences and motivations that led you to this field.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the role. Highlight your communication skills and ability to build relationships, as these are key to our success at Reading Borough Council. We love seeing how your unique experiences align with our values!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all the necessary information and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles of supported living services and the legal frameworks that govern them. Brush up on relevant legislation and policies, as this will show your commitment to the role and your understanding of the responsibilities involved.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with colleagues, service users, and healthcare providers in the past. Think about specific situations where your communication made a positive impact.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Innovation
The role requires an interest in exploring new ways of working. Be ready to discuss any innovative ideas or approaches you’ve implemented in previous roles, especially those that improved outcomes for individuals. This will highlight your forward-thinking mindset.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This position is all about collaboration, so come prepared with examples of how you’ve worked effectively within a team. Highlight your ability to build strong relationships and how you’ve contributed to team performance in the past.
