Advanced Practitioner - Social Worker - Health Interface Service (Taunton) (Adults)

Somerset County Council; Taunton; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

LGPS pension

Leadership development

Learning and development support

Wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset County Council is seeking an Advanced Practitioner Social Worker for the Hospital Interface Service at Taunton. You will provide professional leadership and advanced practice support within a busy hospital-based team, guiding colleagues through complex discharges and safeguarding decisions.

The role emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, Court of Protection activity when needed, and driving service development to improve outcomes after hospital stays.

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualifying experience within Adult Social Care.
• Experience supporting practitioners with complex casework and professional decision-making.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and relevant legal frameworks.
• Excellent risk assessment, analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to provide professional leadership and supervision.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional leadership and advanced social work practice within the Hospital Interface Service.
• Support practitioners with complex casework, safeguarding, Mental Capacity Act work and discharge planning.
• Deliver reflective supervision, coaching and professional support to Social Workers and Adult Social Care Practitioners.
• Lead professional decision-making, complex risk management and case discussions.
• Support colleagues with Court of Protection activity and legal frameworks where appropriate.
• Champion strengths-based and person-centred practice across the service.
• Work alongside health colleagues to promote effective discharge planning and positive outcomes.
• Act as a source of expertise for social care staff, supporting learning and development.
• Support audits, quality assurance activity and service development initiatives.

Skills

Post-qualifying experience

Leadership

Complex casework

Risk assessment

Legal framework knowledge

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

Hospital social work offers a unique opportunity to make a difference at some of the most significant moments in people's lives.

• Salary: £43,149 per annum, rising annually to £47,665


• Contract: Permanent


• Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week


• Location: Taunton


• Closing date: 11th November 2026

At the heart of our approach is hopeful social work. We challenge pessimism, focus on strengths and possibilities, and continually ask one key question:

\"Why not home?\"

As an Advanced Practitioner within our Hospital Interface Service (HIS), you'll combine advanced social work practice with professional leadership, supporting colleagues, influencing service development and helping people achieve the best possible outcomes following a hospital stay.

About the Role

The Hospital Interface Service works at the heart of Somerset's integrated health and social care system, supporting people throughout their hospital journey and helping them return safely to the lives that matter most to them.

Hospital social work is a specialist area of practice that combines professional curiosity, complex decision-making and multidisciplinary working to achieve the best possible outcomes for people and their families.

As an Advanced Practitioner Social Worker within HIS, you will provide professional leadership and advanced practice support across a busy hospital-based social work team. Working closely with the Service Manager, you will support practitioners with complex casework, safeguarding, risk management, discharge planning and professional decision-making.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Provide professional leadership and advanced social work practice within the Hospital Interface Service.


• Support practitioners with complex casework, safeguarding, Mental Capacity Act work and discharge planning.


• Deliver reflective supervision, coaching and professional support to Social Workers and Adult Social Care Practitioners.


• Lead professional decision-making, complex risk management and case discussions.


• Support colleagues with Court of Protection activity and legal frameworks where appropriate.


• Champion strengths-based and person-centred practice across the service.


• Work alongside health colleagues to promote effective discharge planning, admission avoidance and positive outcomes.


• Act as a source of expertise for social care staff, supporting learning, development and practice improvement.


• Support audits, quality assurance activity and service development initiatives.


• Work alongside the Service Manager to help build a high-performing and supportive team culture

What You'll Bring

• A recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.


• Significant post-qualifying experience within Adult Social Care.


• Experience supporting practitioners with complex casework and professional decision-making.


• Strong knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, safeguarding legislation and relevant legal frameworks.


• Confidence providing professional leadership, challenge and guidance to colleagues.


• Excellent risk assessment, analysis and problem-solving skills.


• Experience of multidisciplinary working and building effective relationships with health colleagues and partner agencies.


• A commitment to reflective practice, continuous improvement and developing others.


• Resilience, adaptability and the ability to thrive within a fast-paced hospital environment.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're committed to helping our Social Workers thrive. You'll join a supportive organisation that values professional curiosity, innovation and continuous development.

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.


• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.


• Ongoing leadership development and advanced practice opportunities.


• Dedicated learning and development support.


• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.


• Paid volunteering opportunities.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

• This is a hospital-based role, working onsite within Yeovil District Hospital alongside NHS colleagues.


• The role includes supervision of Social Workers and Adult Social Care Practitioners.


• Opportunities for progression, leadership development and advanced practice are actively supported through supervision and training.


• Please note we may consider Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for suitably qualified Social Workers who are already residing in the UK. Sponsorship will be assessed as part of the recruitment process.


• Due to the nature of the role and the geographical area covered, applicants must have full access to a vehicle that can be used for work purposes.


• We welcome applications from disabled candidates and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments from the first point of contact.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Helen Readdy, Recruitment & Engagement Lead, via email: [e-mail]

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here: Advanced Practitioner Social Worker - Job Description - SCG1433

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