Advanced Practitioner - Social Worker - Learning Disabilities (Adults)

The Methodist Church in Britain; Shepton Mallet; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Hybrid and flexible working

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council's Learning Disabilities Service is seeking an Advanced Practitioner Social Worker to lead complex cases, provide expert guidance, and supervise practice. The role involves safeguarding responsibilities and driving professional development within a multidisciplinary team.

You'll work in a hybrid setup alongside social workers, occupational therapists and health colleagues to improve services and outcomes for adults with learning disabilities.

Qualifications

• Recognised social work qualification.
• Current registration with Social Work England.
• Significant post-qualifying experience in adult social care, including complex casework and risk management.
• Experience supervising, coaching or mentoring colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional leadership and support to social workers to ensure safe, effective and strengths-based practice.
• Lead on complex and high-risk cases with advanced decision-making and problem-solving.
• Champion safeguarding, manage risk and support Court of Protection work where required.
• Supervise, coach and mentor practitioners to develop their practice and maintain high standards.
• Lead on service improvement, quality assurance and performance activities.
• Collaborate with social workers, occupational therapists and health colleagues to enable adults with learning disabilities to live independently and achieve outcomes.

Job description

Advanced Practitioner Social Worker in the Learning Disabilities Service for adults at Somerset Council, working alongside social workers, occupational therapists and health colleagues. The post combines complex casework and safeguarding with supervising and coaching other practitioners and leading service improvement. It suits experienced social workers seeking a step up into leadership, on a permanent 37-hour contract with hybrid working where service needs allow. Social Work England registration is required, and visa sponsorship is limited to overseas social workers already living in the UK.

What the job involves

• Provide professional leadership, guidance and support to social workers to keep practice safe, effective and strengths-based
• Lead on complex and high-risk cases, offering advanced decision-making and problem-solving
• Champion safeguarding practice and support colleagues with legal interventions, risk management and Court of Protection work
• Supervise, coach and mentor practitioners to develop their practice and maintain high standards
• Lead and contribute to service improvement, quality assurance and performance activity
• Manage complex work and safeguarding activity alongside leadership responsibilities
• Help build a confident, resilient, high-performing workforce
• Work with social workers, occupational therapists, health colleagues and partner agencies so adults with learning disabilities can live independently and achieve their outcomes

What’s required

Qualifications

• Recognised social work qualification

Registration & licences

• Current registration with Social Work England

Experience

• Significant post-qualifying experience in adult social care, including complex casework and risk management
• Experience of supervising, coaching or mentoring colleagues and supporting professional development

Skills & knowledge

• Strong knowledge of legislation including the Care Act, safeguarding and strengths-based practice
• Excellent analytical, decision-making and communication skills
• Confidence to give constructive challenge and professional leadership

Checks & eligibility

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

What’s offered

• 30 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional leave
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working where service needs allow
• Health and wellbeing support, including confidential employee assistance
• Paid volunteering opportunities