Short Breaks Lead - Child in Need Manager

Reading Borough Council; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday entitlement (25–33+)

Flexible working opportunities

LGPS pension scheme

Life assurance – 3x salary

On-site day nursery (Kennet Daynursery

Season ticket loan

Lease car salary sacrifice

Job summary

Reading Borough Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join the Children and Young People with Disabilities (CYPD) Team as a Short Break Child in Need Manager. This hybrid role blends direct practice with leadership, overseeing short break services and supporting colleagues across the organisation.

You will manage a small caseload, supervise practitioners and ASYE workers, and guide MCA activities while collaborating with partners to improve pathways for disabled children and their

Qualifications

• A recognised Social Work qualification.
• Registration with Social Work England.
• At least three years' post-qualified social work experience.
• Experience working with children, young people and families.
• Experience undertaking Mental Capacity Assessments.
• Strong leadership, communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to manage complex situations, assess risk and make sound decisions.
• Commitment to reflective practice, continuous improvement and the development of others

Responsibilities

• Manage and support Short Break Child in Need Practitioners and ASYE Social Workers.
• Hold a small caseload of complex children and family cases.
• Undertake and quality assure Mental Capacity Assessments (MCA).
• Provide guidance, mentoring and specialist support to social workers undertaking MCA work.
• Lead on legal case discussions relating to young people aged 16+ where restrictions and High Court applications may be required.
• Represent the service at Continuing Healthcare Panels and multi-agency meetings.
• Support transition planning for young people moving into adult services.
• Work closely with partners to develop and improve short break services and pathways.
• Promote high-quality, child-centred practice and positive outcomes for children and young people with disabilities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Relationship-building

Risk assessment

MCA experience

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

Reading Borough Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join the Children and Young People with Disabilities (CYPD) Team as a Short Break Child in Need Manager. This hybrid role blends direct practice with leadership, overseeing short break services and supporting colleagues across the organisation.

You will manage a small caseload, supervise practitioners and ASYE workers, and guide MCA activities while collaborating with partners to improve pathways for disabled children and their