Social Worker - Preparing for Adulthood

Join to apply for the Social Worker - Preparing for Adulthood role at Children's Social Care, Wokingham

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

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, you will help them 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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
• 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!

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.

For an informal discussion, please contact:
Julie

Note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and you may be invited to interview before the closing date. Successful candidates will be required to proof their right to work in the UK at that stage. All offers are conditional and subject to satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks. Wokingham Borough Council is an equal opportunities employer.