Qualified Practitioner - Transitional Safeguarding (PACT Team, Adult Social Care) in Wokingham

Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary: £44,253 - £50,909 Per Annum, Plus Benefits
Location: Wokingham
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: Enhanced
Closing Date: 25/10/2026 at 23:00
Reference: 713537

We have an excellent opportunity available for a Qualified Practitioner to join our Adult Social Care Team on a Full Time, Permanent Basis.

This role focuses on transitional safeguarding and is part of our new People Achieving Change Together (PACT) team.

The PACT Team will work alongside adults who may not feel able to engage with traditional services. This includes young people transitioning into adulthood, people experiencing complex or high-risk circumstances, those at risk of exploitation, and individuals whose hoarding is creating serious safety concerns. The team will hold a small caseload, allowing time to build meaningful, trusting relationships and to respond quickly and flexibly when someone is at risk or in crisis. We will work with adults who have Care Act eligible needs, or who may reach that point without early, compassionate, and relational support.

As a Qualified Practitioner, you’ll work alongside young adults facing complex challenges, including exploitation, homelessness and other safeguarding risks. You’ll take the time to get to know each person, build trust and understand what matters to them. Some young adults may have found it difficult to engage with services before, so you’ll need patience, persistence and a willingness to try different ways of connecting. Using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach, you’ll help people reduce risks, build resilience and make positive changes towards a safer and more stable future.

We’re a small, supportive council with big ambitions. We trust our teams, work closely together and give people space to make ideas happen. Our adult social care services were rated among the highest in the country by the CQC in 2025, with two “Outstanding” areas and a strong national score of 81%. We were also ranked the 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money.

Wokingham Borough Council is proud to be part of the Social Care Future movement, supporting a vision where everyone can live in a place they call home, connected to the people and activities that matter most.

If you’re patient, persistent and passionate about helping young adults feel safer and build a more positive future, we’d love to hear from you!

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:

• Generous Annual Leaveentitlement of 30 days (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme(actual contribution details to follow)
• GP Helpline7 days a week
• Employee Assistance Programme with a 24/7Your Careconfidential helpline
• Free Onsite Gym(located at Shute End, Wokingham)
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes– includingCarandCycle to Work
• Local & Lifestyle Discounts– savings on shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and more
• Move through Menopause Course
• Sports & Social Group Activities– running, football, cricket, and more

Key responsibilities:

• Build trusting relationships with young adults who may find it difficult to engage with services.
• Assess people’s needs and develop practical, person-centred support and risk management plans.
• Identify and manage risks, including exploitation, homelessness, criminalisation and other safeguarding concerns.
• Support safeguarding work, including Mental Capacity assessments and Section 42 enquiries where appropriate.
• Work with other services and professionals to provide joined-up support that helps people stay safe and build greater independence.

Candidate requirements:

• Your professional background could be in Social Work, Nursing or Occupational Therapy, or another relevant statutory or partner service where you have significant experience supporting young adults with safeguarding needs. The job description gives examples including youth work, criminal justice, community safety, health, psychology, education, housing, probation and policing.
• At least one year’s relevant experience, either post-ASYE/preceptorship in Adult or Children’s Social Care, or working with young adults with complex needs in a statutory setting.
• Experience of assessing complex needs, managing risk and developing support or intervention plans.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, particularly when supporting people who may be reluctant to engage.
• Knowledge of the legal and policy framework relevant to the role and a commitment to trauma-informed, strengths-based practice.
• A full driving licence and access to a car for work.
• Experience of working with young adults moving into adulthood, or with people affected by exploitation, would be an advantage.

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.

Wokingham Borough Council has committed to becoming a Marmot borough to embed prevention, early intervention and address inequalities in all aspects of our work. This is especially important given the significant and continued growth of our Borough and the diversity of its residents.

Alternatively, to arrange an informal discussion about the role, contactMaria Harrison, Service Manager - Safeguarding, Quality & Governance, via Maria.Harrison@wokingham.gov.uk (Strictly no agencies).

Interview date: TBC

AI in Applications:
We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation.

However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected.

We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability.

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.

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.

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.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.

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