VACANCY: PACT – Social Worker or Senior Social Worker

ocva.org; England; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 333,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's charity is looking for a Social Worker or Senior Social Worker to join their Reading team. You will play a crucial role in the Adoption service, working with families and conducting assessments. Candidates must have relevant post-qualification experience in childcare social work. The position offers a hybrid working model and is part-time, focusing on delivering exceptional services across Berkshire and West London.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in childcare social work for Social Worker.
• Minimum of 3 years post qualification experience for Senior Social Worker.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Undertake 'home study' assessments and present to the adoption panel.
• Support families through the matching process until Adoption Order.
• Participate in recruitment activities and training for prospective adopters.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Understanding of child development

Commitment to equality and diversity

Job description

VACANCY: PACT – Social Worker or Senior Social Worker

October 14, 2025

Job title: Social Worker or Senior Social Worker

Role summary: Would you like to become a vital part of our collaborative and innovative team to make a lasting difference to families? We are looking for a Social Worker or Senior Social Worker to join our Reading team. We believe that every child deserves a loving and supportive home. We are committed to providing the highest quality services to help make that a reality, and we are proud of our three successive outstanding ratings with Ofsted.

About the role: Our Social Worker/Senior Social Worker’s role is a pivotal one within our Adoption service. Some of your responsibilities will include:

• undertaking ‘home study’ assessments (PARs) and presenting these to the adoption panel
• supporting families throughout the matching process and once children are placed, up until the Adoption Order
• participating in recruitment activities and training for prospective adopters

About you: As a Social Worker, you’ll bring a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in childcare social work and as a Senior Social Worker, a minimum of 3 years post qualification experience. You’ll have an understanding of child development and the impact on behaviour of interrupted development. You’ll have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity, equity and inclusion within service delivery.

If this sounds like you then please visit our website to apply today to join a dedicated team who are part of something truly meaningful.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Adoption Social Worker, Adoption Senior Social Worker, Adoption Support Social Worker, Independent Social Worker, Fostering Social Worker, Independent Reviewing Officer, Supervising Social Worker, Children’s Social Worker, Child Protection or Safeguarding Hub Social Worker, Looked After Children’s Social Worker, etc.

Job location: Hybrid working from our Reading office and home – with service delivery in Berkshire and surrounding areas including West London.

Pay Rate:

Social Worker – Salary in the range of £23,929 to £29,246 pro rata per annum (full time equivalent £34,053‑£41,620 per annum)

Senior Social Worker – Salary in the range of £27,611 to £33,745 pro rata per annum (full time equivalent £39,292‑£48,022 per annum)

Hours: Part time – 26 hours per week over 3.5/4 days between Monday and Friday.

Contract is: Permanent

Job description: For the full job description and person specification for both roles, please see the attached word document.

To apply, visit the website here. If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Emma Johnson, Adoption Team Manager – 07833 050760 or [e-mail].