Experienced or Senior Social Worker, Referral

Employer: Wokingham Borough Council

Salary: £42,839 - £51,357 depending on experience (plus additional £3k Market Supplement)

Location: Shute End, Wokingham

Contract: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full Time

Hours: 37 hours per week.

DBS Check: Enhanced

Closing Date: 16/11/2025 at 23:00

Reference: 710188

Wokingham Children's Services are looking to recruit an Experienced or Senior Social Worker in the Referral & Assessment Team on a Permanent Basis.

The Referral and Assessment Team is a fast-paced team that works closely with the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub, Helping Early Service and the Children's Safeguarding Social Work teams within Children's services.

As a Social Worker in the Referral & Assessment Team you will speak to children and their families and other involved professionals to complete assessments which will identify relevant support needed in a timely manner.

The goal of the Referral & Assessment team is to work in partnership with children and the important people in their lives to understand more about the support families may need to safely and effectively parent. Our aim is to identify where this support can be obtained, be that through further social work support alongside a family's naturally connected networks or other community-based services.

Your work will include assessments, and child protection enquiries. It may also include court proceedings work including applications in care proceedings and section 7 reports.

The Social Worker role

You will work as part of a dynamic and fast paced team and be able to demonstrate the ability to multi-task, work collaboratively with stakeholders, and exhibit resilience. The right candidate will work effectively with colleagues alongside representatives from partner agencies, to ensure the child's voice is evident throughout the work completed.

You will need to have great inter-personal skills, excellent recording skills, and a sound knowledge of children's legislation and thresholds.

The Referral & Assessment Team are currently working in a hybrid capacity, with our Social Workers combining a regular routine of working in the office, working from home, and working within the community.

Social Workers in Wokingham are highly valued for the important and challenging work they undertake and will find an environment where their learning and development is promoted and supported. We welcome creative individuals who are keen to make a difference by finding supportive solutions for our most vulnerable children.

The Social Workers in our Referral and Assessment Team benefit from regular in-depth supervision, supportive peers and an energetic team spirit.

What we can offer you:-

• Manageable caseloads and supportive management
• Excellent Learning & Development and Career Progression programme
• Generous Annual Leave allowance (minimum of 28 days; with additional days added according to seniority and length of continuous service)
• Flexible working environment
• Enhanced Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• A number of discount and benefit schemes locally and nationally

In response to the national reforms, we are going through a period of transformation, reimagining the way that we deliver our services to children and families in Wokingham. This means that you will be joining us at an exciting time as we enhance our offer in Wokingham.

For more information or an informal discussion about the role please contact either Team Manager, Alison Miller at or Recruitment & Retention Specialist, Alix Williams at

This vacancy will close: Sunday 16th November at 11pm

Interviews will take place on: 25th & 26th November, in person, in our Wokingham main offices.

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.

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.

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.