Social Worker - Mental Health Team

Wokingham Borough Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK seeks a qualified Social Worker to join their Mental Health Team on a full-time, fixed-term contract. The role involves safeguarding adults, assessing mental capacity, and connecting individuals to community services. The position offers a competitive salary between £42,839 - £49,282 annually, along with extensive employee benefits including generous annual leave, pension scheme, and more. A supportive team environment encourages both new and experienced professionals to excel in their roles.

Benefits

Generous Annual Leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Free Eye Tests

Flu Vaccines

Free Onsite Gym

Employee Assistance Programme

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

Learning & Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year's post-qualification experience and completion of ASYE.
• Good knowledge of statutory frameworks such as Care Act and Mental Capacity Act.
• Full EU driving license and access to a car.

Responsibilities

• Assess needs of adults in line with the Care Act 2014.
• Offer advice and access to support services.
• Develop safety plans through risk assessments.

Skills

Team player

Compassionate

Knowledge of mental health disorders

Education

Qualified Social Worker (registered with Social Work England)

Approved Mental Health Professional qualification (desirable)

Job description

Social Worker - Mental Health Team

Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary: £42,839 - £49,282 Per Annum, Plus Benefits
Location: Wokingham
Contract: Contract
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: Enhanced
Closing Date: 18/01/2026 at 23:00
Reference: 702628

We have a fantastic opportunity available for a Social Worker to join our supportive and dedicated Mental Health Team at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full time, 1-year fixed term contract.

As a Social Worker, you’ll play a key part in safeguarding adults and assessing mental capacity, ensuring people receive the right support at the right time. You’ll give practical advice, connect individuals to local community and voluntary services, and promote wellbeing. You’ll also carry out assessments under the Care Act and Section 117 of the Mental Health Act, put together personalised support plans, and work with our commissioning team to arrange care that meets people’s needs.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an Award-Winning Local Authority, and a service that currently scores amongst the highest in the country following our recent CQC inspection. We were especially proud to be rated ‘Outstanding’ for how we learn, improve, and come up with new ideas. This reflects our commitment to supporting our social workers to grow, share ideas, and deliver the very best outcomes for the people we support.

You’ll be joining a friendly, supportive team that values collaboration and care. Whether you’re new to the role or bringing years of experience, you’ll be welcomed, encouraged, and supported to do your best work and make a real difference. We work flexibly through a hybrid model, combining home working, office collaboration, and in-person visits.

Wokingham Borough Council is proud to support #SocialCareFuture, a movement working to change how we think about social care. Its goal is simple: everyone should be able to live in a place they call home, with the people and things they love, in communities that care and help them do what matters most.

AMHP - Those on the AMHP rota receive a substantial AMHP allowance of £5355 - £7000 (depending on experience)

If you’re passionate about helping others and want a role where every day brings the chance to make a positive impact, we’d love to hear from you!

⭐Staff Benefits⭐

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐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 Helpline7 days per 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 Cycleto 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!

Key responsibilities:

• Assessing and reviewing the needs of adults and carers in line with the Care Act 2014
• Offering advice, guidance, and access to the right support services
• Carrying out risk assessments and developing safety plans
• Working in a person-centred way, respecting people’s dignity, culture, and wishes
• Using a strengths-based approach to help people live independently
• Working closely with carers, families, and partner organisations

Candidate requirements:

• Qualified Social Worker (registered with Social Work England)
• A minimum of 1 years’ post-qualification experience and completion of ASYE
• Good working knowledge of the statutory frameworks (i.e. Care Act, Mental Capacity Act & Mental Health Act) and of an appropriate range of professional interventions.
• A solution focused, compassionate team player
• Approved Mental Health Professional qualification is desirable
• Knowledge of mental health disorders
• Experience in a Social Care or health care environment
• Full EU driving license (and access to daily use of a car)

Our area

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.

Please email [e-mail]

Closing Date: 18th January 2026, 11pm

Interview Date: TBC

Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.

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.

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.

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

How to apply

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Further information on this vacancy

• Job Description