Wokingham Borough Council
Wokingham, Berkshire
Social Worker - Preparing for Adulthood Employer: Wokingham Borough Council Salary: £42,839 - £49,282 Per Annum, Plus Benefits Location: Wokingham Contract: Permanent Working Pattern: Full Time Hours: 37 hours per week. DBS Check: Enhanced Closing Date: 18/01/2026 at 23:00 Reference: 706204/711789 We have an excellent opportunity for a Social Worker to join our award-winning Adult Social Care Team at Wokingham Borough Council on a full-time, permanent basis. As a Social Worker in our Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) Team, you'll support young people with additional needs as they move from childhood into adult life. Working with those aged 14-25 as they navigate key milestones such as education, employment, independent living, health, and community participation. You'll collaborate closely with families, schools, adult services, health partners, and other agencies to ensure a smooth, empowering, and well-coordinated transition to adulthood. You'll be joining an award-winning, forward-thinking service that places young people and their families at the heart of everything we do. Wokingham is a progressive, high-performing council, recently recognised as one of the top local authorities in the country in our latest CQC Local Authority Assessment. We are also proud to be part of the Social Care Future movement, working to transform adult social care so that everyone can live in a home they love, stay connected to what matters, and thrive within their community. You'll be welcomed into a supportive team that works flexibly through a hybrid model, combining home working, office collaboration, and in-person visits with young people and families as needed. We're committed to your professional growth, offering extensive training and development opportunities for those looking to specialise or advance their practice. Hear directly from our team: 'Working with the PfA team is some of the most rewarding work you can do. We champion young people at a crucial turning point, helping them move into adulthood with confidence and possibility. If you want purpose-driven work, real impact and a team that lifts you up - then PfA is where you belong' "If your goal to help young people overcome immediate challenges and foster long term positive change within their lives, and the community surrounding them which aligns with a person-centred approach, the Preparing for Adulthood Team is for you. We collaboratively, as a team, provide support and empowerment to provide self efficacy to allow everyone's best self to shine" Staff 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: Generous Annual Leave entitlement 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 Helpline 7 days a week Employee Assistance Programme with a 24/7 Your Care confidential helpline Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines Free Onsite Gym (located at Shute End, Wokingham) Salary Sacrifice Schemes - including Car and Cycle 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 Learning & Development Opportunities Employee Networks And more! Key responsibilities Work under the Care Act 2014 to assess and review the needs of young people and their carers, offering clear advice and connecting them with the right support to stay safe and well. Take a strengths-based, person-centred approach-building positive relationships and ensuring dignity, culture, communication needs, and individual choices are always respected. Complete risk assessments and develop plans that protect people while promoting independence and positive risk-taking. Identify and respond to concerns about abuse or neglect, contributing to safeguarding enquiries and helping put effective safety plans in place. Make sense of complex situations and work with others to find practical, creative solutions. Work closely with young people, their families, carers, education settings, health partners, and internal teams to gather information, assess needs, and agree the best support options-promoting independence, wellbeing, and sustainable outcomes within the community. Advocate for young people and ensure their voice is heard throughout their transition to adulthood. Candidate requirements Registered Social Worker (SWE) with experience in social care or healthcare settings. Passionate about supporting young people with SEND and complex needs. Skilled in strengths-based, person-centred practice and confident in multi-agency working. Strong knowledge of the Care Act, Children Act, Mental Capacity Act, and transition guidance. Experienced in assessing complex needs and analysing information to develop effective solutions. An empathetic, resilient communicator who can engage creatively with young people and families. Our area Wokingham Borough is a thriving area in the heart of Berkshire, offering great transport links, excellent schools, strong communities, and beautiful countryside. With a growing economy and low crime, it's a great place to live and work. We're also committed to becoming a Marmot Borough, focusing on prevention, early intervention, and reducing inequalities across our diverse community. If you are passionate about helping young people build their best adult futures, we would love to hear from you! For an informal discussion, please contact: Closing date: 18th January 2026, 11pm Interview date: TBC Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and you may be invited to interview before the closing date. 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 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 Job Description
Social Worker - Preparing for Adulthood Employer: Wokingham Borough Council Salary: £42,839 - £49,282 Per Annum, Plus Benefits Location: Wokingham Contract: Permanent Working Pattern: Full Time Hours: 37 hours per week. DBS Check: Enhanced Closing Date: 18/01/2026 at 23:00 Reference: 706204/711789 We have an excellent opportunity for a Social Worker to join our award-winning Adult Social Care Team at Wokingham Borough Council on a full-time, permanent basis. As a Social Worker in our Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) Team, you'll support young people with additional needs as they move from childhood into adult life. Working with those aged 14-25 as they navigate key milestones such as education, employment, independent living, health, and community participation. You'll collaborate closely with families, schools, adult services, health partners, and other agencies to ensure a smooth, empowering, and well-coordinated transition to adulthood. You'll be joining an award-winning, forward-thinking service that places young people and their families at the heart of everything we do. Wokingham is a progressive, high-performing council, recently recognised as one of the top local authorities in the country in our latest CQC Local Authority Assessment. We are also proud to be part of the Social Care Future movement, working to transform adult social care so that everyone can live in a home they love, stay connected to what matters, and thrive within their community. You'll be welcomed into a supportive team that works flexibly through a hybrid model, combining home working, office collaboration, and in-person visits with young people and families as needed. We're committed to your professional growth, offering extensive training and development opportunities for those looking to specialise or advance their practice. Hear directly from our team: 'Working with the PfA team is some of the most rewarding work you can do. We champion young people at a crucial turning point, helping them move into adulthood with confidence and possibility. If you want purpose-driven work, real impact and a team that lifts you up - then PfA is where you belong' "If your goal to help young people overcome immediate challenges and foster long term positive change within their lives, and the community surrounding them which aligns with a person-centred approach, the Preparing for Adulthood Team is for you. We collaboratively, as a team, provide support and empowerment to provide self efficacy to allow everyone's best self to shine" Staff 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: Generous Annual Leave entitlement 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 Helpline 7 days a week Employee Assistance Programme with a 24/7 Your Care confidential helpline Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines Free Onsite Gym (located at Shute End, Wokingham) Salary Sacrifice Schemes - including Car and Cycle 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 Learning & Development Opportunities Employee Networks And more! Key responsibilities Work under the Care Act 2014 to assess and review the needs of young people and their carers, offering clear advice and connecting them with the right support to stay safe and well. Take a strengths-based, person-centred approach-building positive relationships and ensuring dignity, culture, communication needs, and individual choices are always respected. Complete risk assessments and develop plans that protect people while promoting independence and positive risk-taking. Identify and respond to concerns about abuse or neglect, contributing to safeguarding enquiries and helping put effective safety plans in place. Make sense of complex situations and work with others to find practical, creative solutions. Work closely with young people, their families, carers, education settings, health partners, and internal teams to gather information, assess needs, and agree the best support options-promoting independence, wellbeing, and sustainable outcomes within the community. Advocate for young people and ensure their voice is heard throughout their transition to adulthood. Candidate requirements Registered Social Worker (SWE) with experience in social care or healthcare settings. Passionate about supporting young people with SEND and complex needs. Skilled in strengths-based, person-centred practice and confident in multi-agency working. Strong knowledge of the Care Act, Children Act, Mental Capacity Act, and transition guidance. Experienced in assessing complex needs and analysing information to develop effective solutions. An empathetic, resilient communicator who can engage creatively with young people and families. Our area Wokingham Borough is a thriving area in the heart of Berkshire, offering great transport links, excellent schools, strong communities, and beautiful countryside. With a growing economy and low crime, it's a great place to live and work. We're also committed to becoming a Marmot Borough, focusing on prevention, early intervention, and reducing inequalities across our diverse community. If you are passionate about helping young people build their best adult futures, we would love to hear from you! For an informal discussion, please contact: Closing date: 18th January 2026, 11pm Interview date: TBC Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and you may be invited to interview before the closing date. 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 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 Job Description
Wokingham Borough Council
Wokingham, Berkshire
Head of Strategic Commissioning - Adult Social Care Employer: Wokingham Borough Council Salary: £73,452 - £80,878 Per Annum, Plus Benefits Location: Shute End, Wokingham Contract: Permanent Working Pattern: Full Time Hours: 37 hours per week. DBS Check: No Closing Date: 07/12/2025 at 23:00 Reference: 712601 Head of Strategic Commissioning Be part of a nationally recognised success story in adult social care! We have an excellent opportunity available for an exceptional leader to join our Adult Social Care Directorate as Head of Strategic Commissioning, on a full time, permanent basis. As the Head of Strategic Commissioning, you'll lead the transformation of Adult Social Care and Health services to deliver better outcomes, greater value for money, and a sustainable, high-quality care system for Wokingham residents. You'll design and deliver innovative, person-centred commissioning strategies and co-producing services that reflect local needs. Through strong partnerships with health, voluntary and community organisations, and people with lived experience, you'll shape sustainable care markets using data and insight, while championing equality, inclusion, and innovation in all you do. This role will be at the heart of our transformation journey, one that has recently been recognised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as among the best in the country. Following a comprehensive inspection in 2025, Wokingham's adult social care services were rated "Good" overall, with "Outstanding" scores in Partnerships & Communities and Learning, Improvement & Innovation. We achieved one of the highest scores nationally (81%)-a powerful endorsement of our commitment to quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 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 31 days (rising to 36 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays An excellent local government pension scheme Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office) Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes A range of local & lifestyle discounts An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline Key responsibilities: Delivering high quality planning, commissioning, and improvement processes to drive change, innovation and excellence in social care commissioning in line with national and local priorities. Providing operational and strategic leadership of the adults commissioning service ensuring the required outputs and outcomes are achieved in line with the council's vision, goals and objectives. Leading the commissioning of good quality and affordable social care and health care services which meet the needs of adults in the borough of Wokingham. Manage a small team of commissioners, to drive commissioning activities, ensuring best value and achieve a balanced budget, creatively drawing on a wide range of resources and assets as appropriate. Ensuring that best value is achieved through the commissioning of individual placements and support the sufficiency within the local social care market. Candidate requirements: We're looking for a strategic thinker and experienced leader who can: Translate national policy into local action with measurable impact. Inspire and lead high-performing teams, delivering innovation and excellence in social care commissioning. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the Care Act, commissioning cycles, and integrated care systems. Build trust and credibility with a wide range of stakeholders. Bring creativity, resilience, and a passion for improving lives. Educated to degree-level or equivalent relevant professional qualifications or expertise. Has significant experience of successfully managing a strategic service, including people, budgets and performance. Understanding of the political landscape, legislative frameworks, and regional and national drivers surrounding the areas covered within the portfolio 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! Alternatively, to find out more or to arrange an informal discussion, please contact - Wesley Hedger, Service Director - Adult Social Care - Strategy, Transformation and Commissioning Closing Date: 7th December 2025, 11pm Technical Interviews Date: 15th December 2025 Final Panel Interviews Date: 19th December 2025 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. 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. 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 Job Description
Head of Strategic Commissioning - Adult Social Care Employer: Wokingham Borough Council Salary: £73,452 - £80,878 Per Annum, Plus Benefits Location: Shute End, Wokingham Contract: Permanent Working Pattern: Full Time Hours: 37 hours per week. DBS Check: No Closing Date: 07/12/2025 at 23:00 Reference: 712601 Head of Strategic Commissioning Be part of a nationally recognised success story in adult social care! We have an excellent opportunity available for an exceptional leader to join our Adult Social Care Directorate as Head of Strategic Commissioning, on a full time, permanent basis. As the Head of Strategic Commissioning, you'll lead the transformation of Adult Social Care and Health services to deliver better outcomes, greater value for money, and a sustainable, high-quality care system for Wokingham residents. You'll design and deliver innovative, person-centred commissioning strategies and co-producing services that reflect local needs. Through strong partnerships with health, voluntary and community organisations, and people with lived experience, you'll shape sustainable care markets using data and insight, while championing equality, inclusion, and innovation in all you do. This role will be at the heart of our transformation journey, one that has recently been recognised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as among the best in the country. Following a comprehensive inspection in 2025, Wokingham's adult social care services were rated "Good" overall, with "Outstanding" scores in Partnerships & Communities and Learning, Improvement & Innovation. We achieved one of the highest scores nationally (81%)-a powerful endorsement of our commitment to quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 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 31 days (rising to 36 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays An excellent local government pension scheme Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office) Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes A range of local & lifestyle discounts An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline Key responsibilities: Delivering high quality planning, commissioning, and improvement processes to drive change, innovation and excellence in social care commissioning in line with national and local priorities. Providing operational and strategic leadership of the adults commissioning service ensuring the required outputs and outcomes are achieved in line with the council's vision, goals and objectives. Leading the commissioning of good quality and affordable social care and health care services which meet the needs of adults in the borough of Wokingham. Manage a small team of commissioners, to drive commissioning activities, ensuring best value and achieve a balanced budget, creatively drawing on a wide range of resources and assets as appropriate. Ensuring that best value is achieved through the commissioning of individual placements and support the sufficiency within the local social care market. Candidate requirements: We're looking for a strategic thinker and experienced leader who can: Translate national policy into local action with measurable impact. Inspire and lead high-performing teams, delivering innovation and excellence in social care commissioning. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the Care Act, commissioning cycles, and integrated care systems. Build trust and credibility with a wide range of stakeholders. Bring creativity, resilience, and a passion for improving lives. Educated to degree-level or equivalent relevant professional qualifications or expertise. Has significant experience of successfully managing a strategic service, including people, budgets and performance. Understanding of the political landscape, legislative frameworks, and regional and national drivers surrounding the areas covered within the portfolio 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! Alternatively, to find out more or to arrange an informal discussion, please contact - Wesley Hedger, Service Director - Adult Social Care - Strategy, Transformation and Commissioning Closing Date: 7th December 2025, 11pm Technical Interviews Date: 15th December 2025 Final Panel Interviews Date: 19th December 2025 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. 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. 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 Job Description
