Job Description

Brighter Futures for Children

About us
Brighter Futures for Children is a not-for-profit company, owned by, but independent of, Reading Borough Council. Although we are independent, we are very much part of the Reading Family. Our people enjoy all of benefits as other Council employees including membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and continuous service.

We work closely with partners in the local community and key organisations including Reading Borough Council, policy, public health and voluntary groups. We are responsible for the delivery of children\'s social care, early help & prevention, education services (including SEND). This also includes fostering and adoption, the Youth Offending Service and traded services with schools.

Our main aim is to protect and enhance the lives of the children of Reading. We help families find long-term solutions to ensure children lead happy, healthy and successful lives.

About the role

An exciting opportunity is available for a Social Worker to join the Family and Friends Team of the Adoption & Permanence Service.

We are seeking a motivated social worker to join our service undertaking assessments of Connected Carers (including viability assessments) and Special Guardians, as well as providing supervision and support to our Connected Carers. The role may also include the assessment and support of Private Fostering arrangements.

The successful candidate will have strong assessment and analytical skills, the ability to work in a timely way to produce thorough assessments for court and for Fostering Panel that are of a high standard, and to be able to use information gathered to make informed recommendations regarding the suitability of carers for children. As part of a team working with the child\'s allocated social worker, you will be involved in supporting our connected carers to provide strong and sustainable placements for children.

This is a busy team that provides a wide range of services. You will be supported to learn and develop in relation to this area of practice.

Our Offer:

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to be creative and focus on innovative and ambitious interventions that leads to sustainable change for families. We are kind, friendly, collaborative and value driven.

We have high expectations for our children and young people and work in a relationship-based, child-centred manner to achieve the greatest impact in children\'s lives.

We offer a competitive salary, plus:

• Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
• Incremental holidays starting with 26 days plus public holidays (rising to 33 after 10 years\' service)
• Discounted Child Care (on site nursery)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season train ticket loans
• Salary Sacrifice Car Lease Scheme
• A range of local shopping discounts
• Remote/Agile working

Closing date: 20 August 2023

Interview date: To be confirmed

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.

Apply Now

Brighter Futures for Children