Job Description

Job description
Reading Borough Council is seeking a passionate and motivated Social Worker to join an exciting 3-year Supported Living Project, focused on improving outcomes, independence and quality of life for people living in supported living services.



This is a unique opportunity to work in a specialist, forward-thinking role, helping to develop and influence supported living services across Reading and beyond, while being fully supported in your professional development and long-term career within Adult Social Care.



We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the Role:

As a Social Worker in our Supported Living Project, you will hold a varied caseload across supported living services both within and outside the Reading Borough. You will work directly with people we support, their families, providers and partner organisations to improve outcomes and promote independence.



You will:


Work with people living in supported living services to ensure support plans are

person-centred, strengths-based and outcome-focused

Contribute to service improvement and quality assurance across the supported living market Work closely with the project Occupational Therapist, care providers, Housing Services and Health colleagues Operate confidently within the legal framework, applying relevant legislation, guidance, policies and procedures Play an active role in shaping innovative ways of working within supported living

This role combines

direct social work practice

with the opportunity to influence and improve services at a system level.

The Supported Living Project:

We currently support around

380 people

living in supported living services, delivered by approximately

50 providers

, ranging from a few hours of weekly support to 24/7 services.



The project places people, innovation and outcomes at the heart of supported living. Our aim is to work collaboratively with people, families and providers to:


Embed

strengths-based, outcome-focused support planning

Increase the use of

assistive technology and digital solutions

Ensure

reablement and enablement approaches

are central to support Support people to move towards greater independence where possible Ensure services are

co-produced

with the people who live in them Implement and embed the

REACH standards

consistently across the market

While this is a funded 3-year project, there is a

clear and planned transition

for the postholder into another Adult Social Care team at the end of the project, providing long-term stability and career progression.

About you:

You will hold a degree in Social Work and be registered with Social Work England. An interest in supported living and in exploring and developing new ways of working is important, along with being open to innovation and change--both as a participant and a leader.




You will demonstrate a passion for improving services for people, strong influencing skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with team members, providers, and partner organisations.



You'll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you'll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

About Reading:

We offer excellent support, supervision, and induction. You will have access to our Learning and Development programme and be supported in your career and personal growth with opportunities to learn and develop new professional skills, helping you to build your Continuing Professional Development portfolio and supporting you to grow as a Social Worker.



Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team -

work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency -

show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious -

be demanding of our own performance - striving to be even better - and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading -

maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

Our offer:

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:


Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave Maternity, adoption, parental and sick pay A wide range of flexible working opportunities Access to a range of training and learning opportunities to help you develop Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing, and road tax Salary sacrifice scheme for Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) to help you save for your retirement

Closing date: Sunday 1st February 2026

Interview date: To be confirmed

Interview setup: In person at the Civic Offices, Reading

If you would like to find out more about this role and the team, please contact Sandra Sheldon - Review Team - Team Manager -

sandra.sheldon@reading.gov.uk

or call

07834 802 697

Visit:

www.moretoreading.co.uk

to find out more about Reading's Community & Adult Social Care Services. It's a chance to hear from the people who already work here and why they have chosen Reading as their professional destination.