19 Social Worker jobs in Berkshire

• Social Worker required to join the Children & Young People's Directorate (CYPD)
• Full-time, permanent position
• Office base: Reading, Berkshire
• Salary: 45,938 - 50,708 per annum (includes 8,000 Annual Market Supplement)
• Welcome Payment: 5,000 (payable after successful completion of 6-month probation)
• Loyalty Payments: 3,000 after 12 months and another 3,000 on completion of 24 months

Reading Borough Council is seeking an experienced and passionate Social Worker to join their Children & Young People's Directorate on a permanent basis.

This is an exciting opportunity to work within a forward-thinking local authority that values staff development, retention, and quality of service delivery. The CYPD team works to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of vulnerable children and young people across the borough.

You'll be joining a supportive, outcome-focused team where your work will have real impact on local families.

• Managing a diverse caseload involving child protection, children in need, and looked after children
• Completing assessments and progressing care plans in line with statutory responsibilities
• Attending case conferences, reviews, and court proceedings where required
• Collaborating with partner agencies to ensure holistic support for families
• Maintaining clear, accurate, and timely case recording

• At least 1 year post-ASYE experience in a statutory children's services setting
• Good understanding of safeguarding legislation, child development, and assessment frameworks
• Ability to manage and prioritise complex cases
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Enthusiastic, resilient, and committed to improving outcomes for children

• You must hold a recognised Social Work qualification (Social Work degree / DipSW / CQSW)
• Registered with Social Work England
• Right to work in the UK without sponsorship
• Enhanced DBS required
• References will be requested

If you're interested in discussing this permanent opportunity, or if you'd like to register with Caritas, please contact Anton Mostert on (phone number removed) or email (url removed)

Caritas Recruitment are a specialist recruitment agency for Qualified Social Workers at all levels. We supply Qualified Social Work staff to over 150 local authorities, UK wide, on a permanent and temporary (locum/contract) basis. If you know of someone who might be interested in this vacancy, please ask them to get in touch; we offer a 300 referral bonus scheme for each friend/colleague you refer plus an additional 500 on your fifth referral!

• Honest & Supportive Career Consultant
• Additional Dedicated Payroll Consultant
• Holistic Support Package for Mental and Physical Wellbeing
• Access to the broadest range of temporary and permanent vacancies nationwide
• Access to Exclusive Projects
• Subsidised training
• Free DBS check
• CV writing service
• Interview technique coaching

Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

• Senior Social Worker required to join the Duty & Assessment (Front Door) team
• Full-time position
• Office base: Didcot Children and Family Centre (South Oxfordshire)
• Hybrid working may be available, with some office-based expectations
• Must be located within 1 hour of Oxfordshire
• Pay rate: 42 per hour

Oxfordshire County Council's South Team is currently seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker to join their Duty & Assessment team.

This is a frontline children's service post focusing on completing timely S17 assessments and S47 investigations. You'll be working as part of a supportive and well-structured team dealing with new referrals and undertaking direct work with children and families across South Oxfordshire.

This role requires confident practitioners who are used to managing risk and prioritising safety and outcomes in fast-paced environments.

• Undertaking S17 assessments and S47 child protection investigations
• Responding to new referrals, gathering information and conducting visits
• Completing risk assessments and supporting safe decision-making
• Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, including early help and education colleagues
• Attending and contributing to strategy meetings, child protection conferences, and legal planning

• Minimum 3 years' experience as a children's assessment social worker
• Strong understanding of safeguarding processes and thresholds
• Confident working autonomously and within a supportive team
• Able to manage a varied and demanding caseload

• You must be a qualified Social Worker with a recognised Social Work qualification (Social Work degree / DipSW / CQSW)
• Registered with Social Work England
• Recent frontline assessment experience within a local authority setting is essential
• Enhanced DBS required
• References will be requested

If you are interested in discussing this position in more detail please call (phone number removed) and ask for Anton Mostert or email (url removed)

Caritas Recruitment are a specialist recruitment agency for Qualified Social Workers at all levels. We supply Qualified Social Work staff to over 150 local authorities, UK wide, on a permanent and temporary (locum/contract) basis. If you know of someone who might be interested in this vacancy please ask them to get in touch; we offer a 300 referral bonus scheme for each friend/colleague you refer plus an additional 500 on your fifth referral!

• Reasons to register with Caritas:-
• Honest & Supportive Career Consultant
• Additional Dedicated Payroll Consultant
• Holistic Support Package for Mental and Physical Wellbeing
• Access to the broadest range of temporary and permanent vacancies nationwide
• Access to Exclusive Projects
• Subsidised training
• Free DBS check
• CV writing service
• Interview technique coaching

Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

About Us

We are excited to invite applications for International Social Workers to begin their career with the Social Work Professional Development Centre.

We have created the Social Work Professional Development Centre because we know that nurturing and supporting our ISW's to become great practitioners is crucial in developing a strong and stable workforce and delivering outstanding services to the children and families of Oxfordshire. Our program is aligned with the BASW Diaspora SIG International Induction and Recruitment Standards.

The role of a children's social worker can be challenging but is also a privilege and hugely rewarding. We know that the right support in your first few months of practice will equip you with the skills you need to flourish in your career.

We are seeking International Social Workers to join a variety of teams across Children's Social Care.

If you join Oxfordshire County Council you will be joining a strengths-based service that is focused on supporting families to keep their children safe and to make lasting change. We do this by keeping relationship-based practice at the core of everything we do and using motivational interviewing to engage families.

About the Role

We are currently hiring for roles across Children's Social Care. This includes: Family Support and Safeguarding, Children with Disabilities & Children's Assessment Team.

About you

• A minimum of 3 years working as a Social Worker. Must have relevant experience working directly with children and families.
• Be qualified and Social Work England registered We cannot accept applications that are in process of SWE registration.
• Be value-based practitioners with a commitment to strengths-based practice.
• Have good communication skills, with the ability to build relationships, engage with children and families
• Have the ability to produce concise, effective and accurate written work
• Be resilient, with the ability to manage the emotional impact of the work, actively making use of appropriate support
• Be required to travel as part of the role as we cover locations throughout rural parts of the county and therefore should have access to your own transport and have a drivers license.
• You are eligible to apply even if you are already working in the UK as a social worker.

About Us

We are excited to invite applications for International Social Workers to begin their career with the Social Work Professional Development Centre.

We have created the Social Work Professional Development Centre because we know that nurturing and supporting our ISW’s to become great practitioners is crucial in developing a strong and stable workforce and delivering outstanding services to the children and families of Oxfordshire. Our program is aligned with the BASW Diaspora SIG International Induction and Recruitment Standards. 

The role of a children\'s social worker can be challenging but is also a privilege and hugely rewarding. We know that the right support in your first few months of practice will equip you with the skills you need to flourish in your career.

We are seeking International Social Workers to join a variety of teams across Children’s Social Care.

If you join Oxfordshire County Council you will be joining a strengths-based service that is focused on supporting families to keep their children safe and to make lasting change. We do this by keeping relationship-based practice at the core of everything we do and using motivational interviewing to engage families.

About the Role

We are currently hiring for roles across Children\'s Social Care. This includes: Family Support and Safeguarding, Children with Disabilities & Children\'s Assessment Team.

About you

• A minimum of 3 years working as a Social Worker. Must have relevant experience working directly with children and families. 
• Be qualified and Social Work England registered We cannot accept applications that are in process of SWE registration.  
• Be value-based practitioners with a commitment to strengths-based practice.
• Have good communication skills, with the ability to build relationships, engage with children and families
• Have the ability to produce concise, effective and accurate written work
• Be resilient, with the ability to manage the emotional impact of the work, actively making use of appropriate support
• Be required to travel as part of the role as we cover locations throughout rural parts of the county and therefore should have access to your own transport and have a drivers license. 
• You are eligible to apply even if you are already working in the UK as a social worker.

Rewards and benefits

• A competitive salary starting at £37,035 per nnum starting salary.
• A pension package of up to 20% employer contribution.
• Manageable caseloads; not only is it important that you love what you do, but it\'s also important to be able to manage your workload and devote the right amount of attention to each family.
• A role in an authority rated \'good\' by Ofsted, as a Social Worker, you get the support you need.
• Flexible working. We do all we can to ensure that every one of our employees has a healthy work-life balance. Our agile working policy means you can work across council sites or from home to suit your needs and we support flexible working hours. You will be provided with a laptop, mobile phone and MS Teams to facilitate agile working.
• Generous annual leave allowance. We know that as a social worker, you do an invaluable job. We offer a generous holiday allowance starting at 29 days per year (plus bank holidays) to help demonstrate how much we value the work you do. We also offer an annual leave purchase scheme.
• A caring and supportive culture. We are passionate about keeping people safe, well and independent, whilst making a positive contribution. We host regular listening events and have a well at work scheme, which focuses on health and wellbeing. There\'s also a social presence, with yoga classes, sports teams and more.
• Other benefits include: Cycle to work scheme, staff discount scheme for a range of retailers, holidays, insurance, restaurants, health & leisure activities and rail travel.

Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

Follow us on Social Media

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn , Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .

If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at:

We reserve the right to close the advert early if we have met the quantity of applications needed for shortlisting.

Deputy Lead Social Worker – Forensic Mental Health

Location: West Berkshire

Salary: Up to £52,000 + Excellent Benefits

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Are you a qualified Social Worker with leadership experience in secure mental health settings? Ready to join a forward-thinking organisation where your development is prioritised and your impact is recognised?

An established independent healthcare provider is seeking a Deputy Lead Social Worker for one of its specialist mental health services in West Berkshire. This role offers an excellent opportunity to support service users on their recovery journey while mentoring a small team and helping shape clinical best practice.

About the Role

In this senior position, you’ll support the delivery of high-quality social work within a secure and structured environment. The service supports adults with complex mental health needs across several wards, including secure and acute care settings.

As Deputy Lead, you’ll manage your own caseload while supervising junior team members, contributing to safeguarding and capacity decisions, and working closely with the wider multidisciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide supervision, mentorship, and appraisal to social work colleagues
• Lead on adult safeguarding, capacity assessments, and best interest decisions
• Coordinate key processes including CPAs, tribunals, and discharge planning
• Liaise with external stakeholders such as social care, MAPPA, police, and probation
• Deliver safeguarding training and contribute to audit and quality initiatives
• Support families and carers throughout the care pathway

What You’ll Need

• A recognised qualification in Social Work
• Registration with Social Work England
• Experience within forensic, secure, or complex mental health services
• A strong understanding of safeguarding and capacity legislation
• Confident communication and a collaborative leadership style

What’s on Offer

• Salary up to £52,000
• 33 days annual leave including bank holidays, plus your birthday off
• Free on-site meals and parking
• Comprehensive wellbeing programme
• Company pension and life assurance
• Enhanced maternity benefits
• Career development opportunities with access to funded training
• Staff discounts, car leasing options, and more

Are you a Deputy Lead Social Worker looking to join a company that values and recognises you? If so, join the team at the Thornford Park Hospital in Thatcham and help people in their recovery journey to develop new skills and build a brighter future.

Working alongside the multidisciplinary team, you will manage and support a caseload of up to 24 forensic service users who are in a medium to low se.

About Us

Do you want to help us radically change the way we deliver social care?

Join Oxfordshire County Council on an exciting journey towards Delivering the Future Together , our ambitious transformation programme which is enabling us to be an employer, partner, and place shaper of choice.  We’re seeking the right people who can help us get there while embracing our value of ‘daring to do it differently’ , as we continue to strive to do better.

This means we keep the people we support at the heart of all that we do. And that works. By listening to people and building on the positives in their lives, we can work collaboratively to help them live the lives they want with the right support around them. 

It is something we call the Oxfordshire Way and we can’t do it alone – our proactive, positive approach to social care gives everyone the opportunity to make a bigger difference. If we’re doing a good job, we don’t stand still – we’re ambitious and we’re always striving to do better; it’s in our DNA.
 

About the Role

We’re transforming the way we help our social workers support our communities to get the best outcomes possible for each and every person we work with. We do this through our commitment of strengthened supervision, ongoing professional training and manageable caseloads, so that you can bring your best self to the people you work with. We are looking for social workers in our Safeguarding Adults Team who are committed to working with people in a way that not only makes safeguarding personal but which makes safeguarding meaningful.

You will be part of a team that triages safeguarding concerns, ensuring Making Safeguarding Personal and Safeguarding Principles are maintained and that the adult is centre to all that you do.

Professional curiosity is key; the role requires you to undertake safeguarding enquires, whilst maintaining people’s choice and control, empowering adults within a risk enablement and strengths-based approach.

We continue to be a financially stable local authority and our investment in Adult Services has created a number of vacancies

About you 

To take on this exciting role you must hold a professional Social Work qualification and have maintained professional registration with Social Work England along with some post qualifying practice experience.

You will have a thorough understanding/ knowledge/experience of working within the adult safeguarding arena, including S42 enquires, MSP and the Care Act (2014).

Coupled with this you will need to be:

• Empowering – communication through difficult conversations is key to the role.
• Confident – your decision making whilst working within risk enablement must be sound.
• Organised – this is a pressurised, fast paced environment with complex and changing priorities.

Rewards and benefits 

• Up to 33 day’s holiday p.a. plus bank holidays - Option to ‘buy’ additional days
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
• Relocation package up to a maximum of £8,000 to cover reimbursement of expen s for newly appointed employees (conditions apply in line with council policy)
• Regular monthly formal and informal support and supervision
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• Extensive Continuous Professional Development opportunities, career progression scheme including the opportunity to train as a Practice Educator, Best Interest Assessor or Adult Mental Health Practitioner.
• Learn more here: Our benefits | Jobs (oxfordshire.gov.uk)  

Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

Follow us on Social Media

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on  LinkedIn ,  Facebook ,  Twitter  and  Instagram .

If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at:

Your new company
Are you a passionate and experienced social worker ready to make a real impact in children's social care? Our client, a forward-thinking local authority in Slough, is on a transformative journey, and they're looking for a dedicatedPractice Development Senior Social Worker to help lead the way.

Your new role
In this pivotal role, you'll be instrumental in supporting, challenging, and inspiring frontline practitioners and managers to deliver outstanding care to children and families. You'll champion evidence-informed practice, reflective supervision, and strengths-based approaches, ensuring continuous improvement and excellence across the service.

What you'll need to succeed

• A qualified social worker with significant frontline and supervisory experience in children's social care.
• A deep understanding of best practice models and a commitment to reflective, strengths-based work.
• Strong facilitation and coaching skills, with a collaborative and proactive mindset.
• A passion for professional development and service improvement.
• Social Work Degree or equivalent
• Social Work England Registration

What you'll get in return

• A hybrid working model (minimum 3 days in the office)
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Flexible working policies supported by modern technology
• A supportive, friendly team environment

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. Alternatively, please contact me on
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)

Daring to deliver social care differently.  

Together, we’re shaping adult social care for the future,  The Oxfordshire Way .  

A role with a difference.  

Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of the residents of Oxfordshire by helping them to stay fit, healthy and independent in their communities for as long as possible.   

The people we support are at the heart of all we do.  By listening to people and building on their strengths and aspirations, we can work collaboratively to help them live the lives they want.    

\" We have the opportunity to question our thinking, be creative, and not feel limited by standard processes. We\'re encouraged to put the person at the centre, ensuring their voice is the loudest while balancing risks and safety needs. \" Emma  

By encouraging innovation in our services and developing our community networks, we’re empowering our colleagues to find creative support solutions for people. We know that people value getting to know the team supporting them, and we actively help our colleagues to build relationships with people and partners in the heart of their communities.  Read more .  

\" We’re always open to new ideas and regularly share our experiences and knowledge. We have weekly team get-togethers and monthly formal meetings, along with both peer and individual supervision. We’re committed to continuous learning and are very open in our approach. \"  David  

Celebrating innovation and excellence.  

\" We’re always looking for innovative ways to deliver social care, putting the people we support at the heart of what we do. \"  Jennifer  

Learn more about how we’re shaping the future of adult social care. Discover our award-winning initiative,  “Cheers M’ Dears”  which fosters friendship at Banbury’s newest ‘pub,’ and explore how  robots  are being used in Oxfordshire to research the importance of touch .   

How we give back to you.  

We are dedicated to transforming the way we support our frontline social workers, ensuring the best outcomes for every individual we work with. Our commitment includes meaningful supervision, ongoing continuous professional development, and manageable caseloads, allowing you to bring your best self to your work.  

“ I’ve never been in a role with such a supportive team. ”  Hannah  

“ We’re a well-staffed team that supports each other tremendously ” -  Funmi  

• Flexible Working: Balance your professional and personal life.
• Agile Technology: Tools to support agile working.
• Generous Holidays: Up to 33 days per year, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy more.
• Relocation Package : Up to £8k to support you in moving closer to Oxfordshire.
• Wellbeing Tools: cess resources like Headspace, and comprehensive health and wellbeing support.
• Pension Scheme: Local Government contributory pension with up to 19.9% employer contribution.
• Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced support for family needs.
• Discounts: Local and national shopping and travel discounts to support everyday living.
• Learning & Development: Continuous professional development and career pathways, including job share and secondment opportunities.

“ My journey is a testament to Oxfordshire County Council’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing avenues for professional development. \"  Jen  

About you.

You’re free-thinking and brave, and that sets you apart. You’ll be supportive and energised; if it can be done differently, you’ll find answers through exploration and courage. Just as importantly, you will embody our values in everything you do:

• Always learning : You continuously develop your skills and knowledge in theory and case law. 
• Be Kind and Care : You have an understanding of and respect for individuals’ qualities, abilities and diverse backgrounds.  
• Equality and integrity in all you do: You have a commitment to human rights and social justice, and with your strong communication skills you will work collaboratively to achieve the best outcome .
• Taking responsibility : You are a self-leader who has the passion to promote people’s strengths to gain the best outcomes for people.  
• Daring to do it differently : You find creative solutions that problem solves with the person, rather than for the person.

Where Progress, Diversity, and Ambition Come Together.  

Together, we’re the moment makers and we’re focussed on making every day the best it can be for our residents. Whatever you do here, you’ll look around and say, “I make a difference”. Because we’re all creating lasting change to people’s lives in Oxfordshire.  

At its heart is our Oxfordshire Way  vision, to enable people to live well and independently in their own communities .  

Everyday you’ll be challenged in a new way, supported by your team, in an organisation that is free thinking, flexible, and helps people achieve their ambitions. We’re not afraid to do things differently and our dynamic culture means this is a place where new ideas are embraced, and innovation thrives.  

We believe that together, our differences make us stronger, and that diversity is the foundation for innovation. Here, you can create a unique career for yourself – while raising the bar for the future of adult social care.  

Are you in?

\" We’re saying come and be part of the team and learn all about how we deliver Adult Social Care and in return we’re going to support you to develop, what I believe is, a fulfilling career in social work.  \"  Fiona  

Listen to our Adult Social Care podcast!

You’ll hear from our incredible colleagues who live our core value of “daring to do it differently” as we explore the transformative power of innovative care practices and celebrate the dedication of those who make a difference every day.  Listen here .

Would you like to know more?
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Wendy Somerville on  

How to apply
Simply click \'Apply for this job\'. Make sure you read the Job description first! It\'s that simple and quick!

Our commitment to:
 Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
 Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
 
Our commitment to:
 Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
 
 Follow us on Social Media
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn , Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .

If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: