Senior Social Worker Job Opportunity at Bracknell Forest Council (Certificate of Sponsorship Available)

Location: United Kingdom
Salary: £48,400 – £51,433 per year
Job Type: Full-time
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Available
Closing Date: 14 July 2025 at 23:59

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Why Work as a Senior Social Worker at Bracknell Forest Council?

Bracknell Forest Council is seeking a dedicated Senior Social Worker with experience in Children’s Social Care to join their Duty and Assessment team. This is a fantastic opportunity for social workers looking to develop their career in a supportive, forward-thinking environment backed by a Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible candidates.

As a registered Social Worker with Social Work England, you will play a critical role in improving the lives of children and families by conducting assessments, safeguarding vulnerable children, and working collaboratively with partner agencies.

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About Bracknell Forest Council’s Children’s Social Care Team

Bracknell Forest Council prides itself on being an Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ local authority for children’s services. The council emphasizes manageable caseloads, reflective supervision, and strong leadership that supports staff wellbeing and career progression.

The Duty and Assessment Team acts as the “front door” to Children’s Social Care, delivering timely and effective short-term support to children and families in need. The team values inclusion, psychological safety, and a collaborative culture where social workers can thrive.

Key Highlights of Working at Bracknell Forest:

• Outstanding Ofsted rating for children’s social care services

• Manageable caseloads enabling quality time with children

• Supportive and inclusive leadership

• Commitment to staff wellbeing and career development

• Strong focus on multi-agency collaboration and family safeguarding

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Who Are We Looking For? (Candidate Profile)

To excel in this Senior Social Worker role, you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Current registration with Social Work England

• Minimum of three years post-qualifying experience in Children’s Social Care, with strong exposure to child protection

• In-depth understanding of relevant legislation, policies, and thresholds

• Proven experience working within multi-agency teams and statutory child protection frameworks

• Excellent assessment, analytical, and record-keeping skills

• Ability to work confidently and lead in complex, fast-paced environments

• Commitment to championing good social work practice and continuous professional development

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Key Responsibilities of the Senior Social Worker Role

As a Senior Social Worker, you will be responsible for a range of vital tasks that directly impact child welfare and family support:

Conducting Child-Focused Assessments

• Lead needs-led, outcome-focused assessments to identify children’s and families’ needs

• Develop clear, actionable plans to promote safety and wellbeing

Safeguarding and Child Protection

• Manage child protection enquiries under Section 17 (S17) and Section 47 (S47) of the Children Act

• Participate actively in the duty system, responding swiftly to safeguarding concerns

Multi-Agency Collaboration

• Work closely with health, education, police, and other partner agencies to ensure holistic support for children

• Facilitate information sharing and joint decision-making in the best interests of the child

Case Management and Compliance

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date case records in line with departmental policies, GDPR, and data protection regulations

• Ensure compliance with legal and procedural requirements in all interventions

Reflective Supervision and Professional Development

• Engage in regular supervision to reflect on practice, set goals, and develop intervention strategies

• Support junior colleagues by sharing expertise and promoting a learning culture

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Our Approach: Family Safeguarding Model and Motivational Interviewing

Bracknell Forest uses the Family Safeguarding Model, which focuses on keeping families together safely by working collaboratively with them. This approach is enhanced by Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques, empowering parents and caregivers to make positive changes that improve outcomes for their children.

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Benefits of Joining Bracknell Forest Council as a Senior Social Worker

Bracknell Forest Council offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional growth and personal wellbeing:

Competitive Salary & Leave

• Salary range: £48,400 – £51,433 per annum

• Starting with 28 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 3 years’ service

• Option to buy up to 10 additional leave days and sell 5 days annually for flexible time off

Flexible and Supportive Work Environment

• Hybrid working opportunities to promote work-life balance

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for health and wellbeing support

• Access to a Sports and Social Club and discounted gym memberships

Financial and Career Support

• Participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme

• Life insurance linked to the pension scheme for added security

• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme for eligible employees

• Recognition of continuous service from NHS and UKHSA in benefit calculations

• Access to internal and external training and career development opportunities

Family-Friendly Policies

• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and fostering leave entitlements

• Supportive culture for career progression and professional learning

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Core Values at Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Forest Council’s values reflect its commitment to an inclusive, ambitious, and learning-focused workplace. As a senior social worker, you will be part of a team that:

• Champions diversity and inclusion across all roles and communities

• Encourages ambition and continuous professional growth

• Prioritizes learning and development to improve services and outcomes

• Creates a culture where all employees feel valued and supported

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Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and Eligibility

For candidates currently residing in the UK who require visa sponsorship, Bracknell Forest Council offers a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on eligibility criteria and budget availability. This means international applicants with the right qualifications and experience can apply and potentially receive sponsorship to work in this Senior Social Worker role.

Please note:

• Sponsorship availability varies and is assessed on a case-by-case basis

• Candidates must currently be in the UK to apply

• Social Work England registration fees can be reimbursed by the Council

• The Council cannot guarantee sponsorship for all applicants, so early application is recommended

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How to Apply and Interview Details

• Applications close on 14th July 2025 at 23:59

• Interviews will be conducted in person on 23rd July 2025, allowing candidates to meet the team and experience the supportive working environment firsthand

• The Council reserves the right to close applications early if suitable candidates are found

Important: Use of AI tools during interviews is prohibited; candidates found using AI will be withdrawn.

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Reasonable Adjustments and Equal Opportunities

Bracknell Forest Council is committed to an inclusive recruitment process and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. If you need reasonable adjustments for the application or interview process, contact the recruitment team to discuss your requirements.

The Council actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion, making it a welcoming workplace for all.

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Contact Information for Informal Enquiries

For any questions about this Senior Social Worker role or to discuss the position informally, please contact:

• Donna Barber, Team Manager: donna.barber@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

• Helen Gore, Principal Social Worker: helen.gore@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

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Why Choose Bracknell Forest Council?

Joining Bracknell Forest Council means becoming part of a passionate team dedicated to making a real difference in children’s lives. With outstanding Ofsted ratings, a supportive work culture, and strong career development pathways, this role offers an excellent platform for experienced social workers ready to step into a senior position and lead change.

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Summary: Senior Social Worker Role Highlights

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Ready to Apply?

If you are a committed social worker with a passion for child protection and improving family outcomes, apply now to join Bracknell Forest Council’s dynamic and supportive team. Make a difference while advancing your career in a local authority known for excellence and inclusivity.

Apply Here