Social Care Practitioner - First Contact Team
Social Care Practitioner - First Contact Team

Social Care Practitioner - First Contact Team

Wokingham Full-Time 22711 - 30060 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support individuals and carers to live independently using a strength-based approach.
  • Company: Join Wokingham Borough Council, dedicated to exceptional adult social care.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, a pension scheme, gym access, and lifestyle discounts.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while working in a supportive team environment.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills and IT proficiency are essential; experience with diverse backgrounds is a plus.
  • Other info: This is a full-time, 12-month fixed term contract with opportunities for personal growth.

The predicted salary is between 22711 - 30060 £ per year.

Social Care Practitioner – First Contact Team

Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary: £27,711 – £30,060 Per Annum, Plus Benefits
Location: Shute End, Wokingham
Contract: Contract
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: Enhanced
Closing Date: 10/08/2025 at 23:00
Reference: 713126

We have an excellent opportunity available for a Social Care Practitioner to join our dynamic Adult Social Care team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a Full-Time, 12-month fixed term contract.

As a Social Care Practitioner, you will work under the supervision of a registered practitioner to undertake direct work with individuals and their carers. You will use a strength-based approach to maximise individual’s abilities to live independently as possible and remain safe in their community.

We are dedicated to providing exceptional care and supporting individuals in need, ensuring they lead fulfilling and independent lives. Part of this role will include supporting carers to continue in their caring role for as long as they are willing and able to do so.

We are currently seeking a compassionate, dedicated and proactive Social Care Practitioner to join us.

Benefits:

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

A generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 days after 5 years continued local government service, plus Bank Holidays

An excellent local government pension scheme

An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline

A range of local & lifestyle discounts

Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)

Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes

And much more!

Key responsibilities:

  • To work with customers and their carer’s using a strength-based approach to provide tailored advice information and signposting to help them remain as independent as possible and live safely in the community.

  • To identify and implement appropriate prevention plans that will avoid, reduce, or delay the need for formal long-term care.

  • To accept referrals for adult social care, complete assessments, create and implement support plans in line with legislation, statutory guidance, local policy and procedure and as necessary.

  • To identify and raise safeguarding concerns as required and contribute to development and implementation of protection plans which maintain the individual’s safety within the multi-agency safeguarding adults’ procedures.

  • To work in a person-centred way, ensuring that individual dignity is maintained, cultural and communication needs are addressed, and choices and aspirations are acknowledged. To provide or arrange advocacy as required ensuring that the voices of service users are heard, and application of positive risk-taking framework as required.

Candidate requirements:

  • Competent level of IT skills and ability to learn and use adult social care recording system

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills – including ability to engage with individuals with a diverse range of communication needs

  • Ability to work under pressure and maintain professional composure

  • Ability to relate to individuals from a diverse range of social, economic, and cultural backgrounds

  • Awareness of the impact of ill health, disability, social disadvantage, and poverty has on and individuals’ wellbeing

  • Awareness of the impact of caring has on carers and their choice and control and wellbeing

Our Area

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today!

Or for an informal discussion, please contactLaura Gordon, Team Manager – laura.gordon@wokingham.gov.uk

Closing Date: 10th August 2025, 11pm

Interview Date: TBC

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.

How to apply

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Further information on this vacancy

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Social Care Practitioner - First Contact Team employer: Wokingham Borough Council

Wokingham Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for Social Care Practitioners. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, you will benefit from generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to a free onsite gym, all while working in a vibrant community with excellent transport links and a high quality of life. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and their carers, while enjoying ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
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Contact Detail:

Wokingham Borough Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Social Care Practitioner - First Contact Team

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the strength-based approach mentioned in the job description. Understanding this methodology will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the values of the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Research Wokingham Borough Council and their Adult Social Care team. Knowing their recent initiatives or community projects can give you a great talking point during your interview and show that you're genuinely interested in joining their team.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to work under pressure and maintain professionalism. This is crucial for a role that involves direct work with individuals and their carers.

✨Tip Number 4

Connect with current or former employees of Wokingham Borough Council on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be invaluable for your preparation.

We think you need these skills to ace Social Care Practitioner - First Contact Team

Compassionate Communication
Strength-Based Approach
Assessment Skills
Support Planning
Safeguarding Awareness
Person-Centred Care
Advocacy Skills
IT Proficiency in Social Care Systems
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Cultural Competence
Understanding of Social Disadvantage
Knowledge of Carer Support
Problem-Solving Skills
Team Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements of the Social Care Practitioner position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these aspects.

Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for social care. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your ability to work with individuals and their carers, focusing on your strength-based approach.

Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to emphasise your excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as your ability to engage with diverse individuals. Mention any relevant IT skills and your understanding of the impact of social disadvantage on wellbeing.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the social care field.

How to prepare for a job interview at Wokingham Borough Council

✨Understand the Role

Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Social Care Practitioner. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their needs, particularly around using a strength-based approach.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

As this role requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, be ready to demonstrate these during the interview. You might be asked to engage in a scenario where you need to communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-life situations in social care. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully supported individuals or managed challenging situations, and be ready to explain your thought process.

✨Emphasise Your Compassion and Dedication

This role is all about supporting individuals and their carers. Be sure to convey your passion for helping others and your commitment to promoting independence and wellbeing. Share personal anecdotes that highlight your dedication to social care.

Social Care Practitioner - First Contact Team
Wokingham Borough Council
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  • Social Care Practitioner - First Contact Team

    Wokingham
    Full-Time
    22711 - 30060 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-14

  • W

    Wokingham Borough Council

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