Wokingham Borough Council
Senior Social Worker - First Contact Team (Adult Social Care)
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Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary: £53,270 - £54,354 Per Annum, Plus Benefits (Including £3,000 Market Supplement)
Location: Wokingham
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: Enhanced
Closing Date: 13/09/2026 at 23:00
Reference: 713512
We’re excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a skilled and compassionate Senior Social Worker to join our dedicated Adult Social Care Team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, permanent basis.
We are proud to be part of the Social Care Future movement working towards a place where everyone can live in a home they love, stay connected to the things that matter and feel part of their community.
As a Senior Social Worker, you’ll supervise colleagues, guiding and supporting them to grow in their roles and making sure the quality of our work is the best that it can be.
This role sits within the First Contact Team which is the front door to Adult Social Care. They provide advice, information and support to residents, carers and professionals, helping people access the right services at the right time.
The team handles referrals, enquiries and safeguarding concerns, gathers information about people's needs, and works closely with social care and health colleagues to ensure people receive the support they need. Their work is vital in promoting independence, wellbeing and positive outcomes for our residents.
You’ll work within legal frameworks but always having the person at the centre of everything we do. This may involve working with people using a strength-based approach to assess needs, carry out reviews and support planning with people and their carers. Your aim will be simple: help people stay well, stay safe and maintain their independence.
This is an exciting time to join us. We are an Award‑Winning Local Authority and were recently recognised by the Care Quality Commission as one of the best adult social care services in the country and ranked 2nd nationally in the Impower Productivity Index.
This role is varied, rewarding and perfect for someone who wants to support and guide others and who is compassionate, creative and proactive; someone who wants to make a genuine difference every day.
⭐ Staff Benefits ⭐
You’ll have access to an excellent benefits package, including:
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- 31 days annual leave, rising by five days after five years’ local government service, plus bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- GP helpline, seven days a week
- Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 confidential support
- Free eye tests and flu vaccines
- Free onsite gym (Shute End, Wokingham)
- Salary sacrifice schemes – including car and cycle to work
- Local and lifestyle discounts
- Move through Menopause course
- Sports and social clubs – running, football, cricket and more
- Learning and development opportunities
- Employee networks
- And more!
Key Responsibilities
- Work with legal frameworks to assess, review and support people with complex needs and their carers. Offer clear advice and guidance, and help people access the right support to stay safe and well.
- Take a strengths‑based approach and build respectful working relationships with the people you support.
- Complete and oversee risk assessments and risk management plans, supporting positive risk‑taking where appropriate.
- Recognise and support others to identify possible abuse or neglect and make relevant safeguarding enquiries. Acting as the Safeguarding Adults Manager (SAM) for enquiries completed by less experienced colleagues.
- Chair meetings such as professional meetings, case conferences and Multi Disciplinary Teams.
Candidate Requirements
- Professional Social Work qualification
- Registration with Social Work England
- An ability to travel around the borough for visits, meetings and appointments
- Strong knowledge of the legal and professional framework for adult social care
- Ability to lead, motivate, supervise and support staff, including managing performance
About Wokingham Borough
Wokingham Borough sits in the heart of Berkshire and has excellent transport links to Reading and London. It includes a historic market town, welcoming villages and miles of beautiful countryside.
We have high‑performing schools, thriving businesses and a strong sense of community. With good public facilities, a growing local economy and low crime rates, 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.
For an informal chat, please contact Josephine Lukehurst, Service Manager via email josephine.lukehurst@wokingham.gov.uk
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Closing date: 13th September 2026, 11pm
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.
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
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