At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Hospital Team, supporting social workers and driving service improvements.
- Company: Slough Borough Council, committed to inclusivity and community representation.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, wellbeing initiatives, and travel support.
- Other info: Inclusive employer offering support throughout the application process.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work, strong leadership, and knowledge of hospital discharge processes.
The predicted salary is between 48277 - 52413 £ per year.
Directorate: Adult Social Care
Pay Level: 8, £48,277- £52,413 (fully inclusive of local weighting allowance)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours
Location: Wexham Park Hospital
DBS requirement: Enhanced
The closing date for applications is midnight on 28th June 2026.
What you’ll be doing:
We’re looking for an innovative and experienced social work professional to join our Hospital Team as a Practice Lead. You’ll have strong leadership and supervisory skills, with experience in strengths‑based practice, supporting Social Workers, Social Care Assistants, and Student Social Workers. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast‑paced, pressured environment, brings fresh ideas to improve practice, and has a solid understanding of hospital discharge processes, the Discharge to Assess (D2A) pathway, and funding streams to ensure cost‑effective care planning. If you’re passionate about driving service improvement and delivering safe, timely, person‑centred outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.
Benefits:
- 26 days annual leave (not including Bank holidays), rising to 30 days between 2 – 5 years’ service and 33 days after 5 years’ service.
- The Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Ability to engage with wellbeing initiatives and the opportunity to be a member of our various employee networks, which are key to ensuring we celebrate and promote equality.
- Tax‑free childcare and childcare services.
- Season loan ticket – to help with the cost of your rail / bus journey to and from work.
Accessibility and Support:
Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer. We are keen to support you to feel comfortable throughout the application and interview process. If you require any support throughout the application process or reasonable adjustments for the interview, we will assist you.
Right to Work and Checks:
All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK. If you require sponsorship, please contact Recruitment@slough.gov.uk before submitting an application. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If appointed, all posts will be subject to satisfactory pre‑employment checks.
EEO Statement:
We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We select staff on merit and foster a workforce where people are valued and represent the local communities we serve.
Practice Lead - Hospital employer: Slough
Slough Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment at Wexham Park Hospital. With generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and various wellbeing initiatives, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. The council values diversity and provides numerous opportunities for growth, making it an ideal place for passionate social work professionals to make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Lead - Hospital
✨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 Slough.
✨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 Slough!
✨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 Slough, 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 Slough 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 Practice Lead - Hospital
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 Slough:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Slough! 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 Slough
✨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.
