Advanced Practitioner Practice Development - Learning Disabilities (Adults)

The Methodist Church in Britain; Taunton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking an Advanced Practitioner within the Learning Disabilities Service for adults to lead practice development and supervise students and newly qualified social workers. The role emphasizes evidence-informed, strengths-based social work and multi-agency collaboration across a rural county, with essential vehicle access.

You will supervise placements, review practice, and support ongoing professional development while ensuring compliance with Social Work England standards

Qualifications

• Social work qualification (degree, DipSW or CQSW).
• Current Social Work England registration.
• Two years post-qualifying experience.

Responsibilities

• Support the Service Manager in leading and managing teams, including operations, planning, HR, staff development and financial oversight.
• Provide fortnightly supervision and regular support to students throughout placements.
• Develop students' and NQSWs' practice skills and uphold practice standards.
• Assess students' ability to apply social work theories, models and legislation in practice.
• Lead and contribute to local and national service developments, quality assurance and practice improvement.
• Give advanced decision-making, problem-solving and advice on practice issues to the social care workforce.

Skills

Theories & models

Legislation knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication

Leadership

Education

Social work degree/DipSW/CQSW

PEPs qualification

Job description

This Advanced Practitioner role sits within Somerset Council's Learning Disabilities Service for adults, leading practice development. It centres on evidence-informed, strengths-based social work, with supervision of students and newly qualified social workers. Travel across a largely rural county is central, with own vehicle access essential, and the work involves multi-agency working alongside health partners. Social Work England registration and two years post-qualifying experience are required, and visa sponsorship is limited to overseas social workers already in the UK.

What the job involves

• Support the Service Manager in leading and managing teams, including operations, planning, team development, HR, staff development and financial oversight
• Provide fortnightly supervision and regular support to students throughout their placements
• Develop students' and NQSWs' practice skills and uphold practice standards against Social Work England and the Professional Capabilities Framework
• Assess students' ability to apply social work theories, models and legislation in practice
• Lead and contribute to local and national service developments, quality assurance and practice improvement
• Give advanced decision-making, problem-solving and advice on practice issues to the social care workforce
• Act as a source of expertise for social care and occupational therapy staff through coaching, mentoring, joint working and case discussion
• Facilitate NQSW professional development meetings and reviews, complete observation reports and verify professional documentation
• Prepare social work development reviews, identify staff training needs and run induction programmes with the Service Manager
• Model strengths-based, person-centred practice within the Care Act 2014 framework
• Work with partners, community resources, Learning and Development and the Principal Social Worker for an integrated, quality-assured approach
• Help build a culture of learning, reflection and continuous improvement across the service

What’s required

Qualifications

• Social work qualification (degree, DipSW or CQSW)
• Holding or working towards the Practice Education Professional Standards (PEPs) qualification

Registration & licences

• Current Social Work England registration

Experience

• At least two years post-qualifying experience
• Supervisory experience, including oversight and mentoring of students or NQSWs

Skills & knowledge

• Knowledge of theories, models of intervention and research underpinning adult social work
• Ability to relate legislation and policy to practice
• Confidence in critically and constructively reflecting on others' practice
• Analytical, influencing, negotiation and organisational skills
• Working under pressure, prioritising and meeting deadlines
• Clear, person-centred communication at all levels, including written reports

Checks & eligibility

• Full access to a vehicle that can be used for work purposes

Other

• Good understanding of IT systems
• Working autonomously and as part of a team
• Promoting people's rights to autonomy and self-determination, applying professional ethics to decisions

What’s offered

• 30 days annual leave entitlement