West Berkshire Council
Social Worker – Safeguarding Team
Pay Rate: £38 per hour
Hours: 37 per week
Contract: Locum
About the Role
West Berkshire Council is seeking a dedicated and experienced Social Worker to join its Safeguarding Team.
You will work with children, young people, and families where safeguarding concerns have been identified, ensuring risk is managed effectively while supporting family strengths and improving outcomes.
This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a stable, supportive authority known for strong leadership and high-quality practice.
Key Responsibilities
- Complete assessments under the Children Act, including Section 47 and Section 17 assessments.
- Manage a caseload of children subject to CIN, CP, and court proceedings.
- Work collaboratively with partner agencies including health, police, schools, and voluntary services.
- Develop and review child protection and safety plans.
- Conduct direct work with children to ensure their voice shapes planning.
- Produce high-quality reports and maintain accurate case records.
- Contribute to multi-agency meetings, conferences, and court processes.
Practice Model Used by West Berkshire
West Berkshire uses a Family Safeguarding Model, a strengths-based, multi-disciplinary approach designed to:
- Keep children safely with their families wherever possible
- Support whole-family intervention
- Reduce risk through collaborative practice
- Integrate domestic abuse, mental health, and substance misuse specialists directly within teams
- Provide structured, evidence-based assessment and planning tools
- This model is nationally recognised for improving outcomes and creating stable, supportive working environments for practitioners.
Why West Berkshire Is a Great Place to Live and Work
West Berkshire offers an exceptional balance of countryside living, excellent transport links, and strong community life:
- Beautiful landscapes including the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, perfect for walking, cycling, and outdoor activities.
- Vibrant towns such as Newbury, known for shops, cafés, culture, and the famous Newbury Racecourse.
- Great schools and family-friendly communities.
- Easy access to Reading, Oxford, Swindon, London, and the M4 corridor.
- Affordable compared to many surrounding areas in the South East.
- A supportive local authority with strong stability, good leadership, and ongoing investment in Children’s Services.
- It’s a fantastic location for both lifestyle and professional growth.
Interested?
To apply, send your CV to:
📧 dmitchell@sheldon-phillips.com
To discuss the role further, call:
📞 07561 805654