Children's SSW - Single Point of Access Team - Reading

Caritas Recruitment; Reading; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Caritas Recruitment Limited is seeking a qualified Children’s Social Worker to join a busy Single Point of Access Team in Reading. This fast-paced front door role involves responding to concerns about children and young people, assessing information and determining safeguarding actions to promote safety and wellbeing.

You will collaborate with families, schools and professionals to gather information, identify risk, and make timely decisions in line with statutory guidance, carrying out

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker with registration in Social Work England.
• Sound knowledge of child protection legislation and safeguarding guidance.
• Experience assessing children and families in front-door or safeguarding settings.

Responsibilities

• Undertake assessments and contribute to strategy discussions.
• Arrange referrals, signpost to early help, and progress cases requiring statutory intervention.
• Prepare professional reports and maintain accurate case records.

Skills

Child protection knowledge

Assessment & risk analysis

Front-door safeguarding experience

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

An exciting opportunity is available for a qualified Children’s Social Worker to join a busy Single Point of Access Team. This is a fast-paced role at the front door of children’s services, where you will respond to concerns about children and young people, assess information and determine the most appropriate next steps to promote their safety and wellbeing.

You will work closely with families, schools, health professionals, police and partner agencies to gather and analyse information, identify risk and need, and make timely decisions in line with safeguarding procedures. Responsibilities will include undertaking assessments, contributing to strategy discussions, arranging appropriate referrals, signposting to early help and progressing cases where statutory social work intervention is required.

The role will involve maintaining accurate, clear and timely case records, preparing professional reports and ensuring that children and families are listened to and involved in decisions wherever possible. You will be expected to manage competing priorities, respond sensitively to urgent situations and use professional judgement when considering thresholds, risk and protective factors. Effective communication and partnership working will be essential.

Applicants must hold a recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England. You should have sound knowledge of child protection practice, relevant legislation and statutory guidance, together with experience of assessing children and families, ideally within a front-door, referral or safeguarding environment. We are seeking a resilient and reflective practitioner who can work confidently under pressure, demonstrate strong analytical skills and maintain a child-centred approach.

You will receive regular supervision and opportunities for professional development within a supportive multidisciplinary setting. A commitment to equality, inclusion, anti-discriminatory practice and improving outcomes for children and young people is essential. The successful candidate will also need the ability to travel as required and complete all relevant pre-employment safeguarding checks.