At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families in safeguarding and help individuals rebuild their lives.
- Company: Via, a compassionate organisation dedicated to health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Join a growing team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with strong communication skills and resilience.
The predicted salary is between 32333 - 32824 £ per year.
Location: West Berkshire
Salary: £32,333.00 - £32,824.00 per annum depending on experience
Vacancy Type: Permanent/Full Time
Working Hours: 37.5
Application Deadline: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Who we are: At Via, our mission is to provide the best health and wellbeing support to as many people as possible, helping them to change their lives for the better. Last year, we supported over 11,000 people across the UK affected by alcohol and drug use. Everything we do is driven by our values:
- Care. Care for people is at the heart of everything we do.
- Be human. We are accessible, genuine and humble. Always learning.
- Do the right thing. We’re open, honest and inclusive. We get things done.
What we’re looking for: This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-paced and growing organisation. We’re looking for a Family Safeguarding Senior Practitioner for our West Berkshire Service. Family safeguarding sees specialist adult-focused practitioners – with expertise in substance use – integrated within children’s safeguarding teams. This exciting and rewarding senior role will provide you with the opportunity to be part of this integrated team, carrying a reduced specialist caseload whilst also providing support, advice and oversight to your colleagues in the wider Via West Berkshire Service in safeguarding caseloads and matters.
This is not just a job – you’ll help people rebuild their lives, reconnect with their family and friends, return to work or education, and much more. We’re looking for individuals with compassion, good communication skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure. If you’re someone who is a good listener, stays curious, and wants to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Our Service Manager is happy to talk through this role, what a typical day might look like, development opportunities, and Via’s national network. You can reach Dani Cawsey on dani.cawsey@viaorg.uk.
Senior Family Safeguarding Practitioner employer: Via
At Via, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture focused on innovation and collaboration. Our Northern Europe Strategic Partnerships Lead will enjoy ample opportunities for professional growth while working in a vibrant environment that values strategic thinking and execution. With competitive benefits and the chance to make a meaningful impact in transforming transportation, Via is the ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in a forward-thinking company.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Family Safeguarding Practitioner
✨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 Via.
✨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 Via!
✨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 Via, 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 Via 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 Senior Family Safeguarding Practitioner
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 Via:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Via! 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 Via
✨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.
