Social Worker

Somerset Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

LGPS pension

Hybrid working

Wellbeing support

Volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council's Adults Neighbourhoods Team is seeking a Social Worker to carry out strengths-based assessments, manage a varied caseload and support adults and carers to make informed life choices.

Working with health, housing and voluntary partners, you will promote independence, prevent escalation and contribute to safe, timely discharges, with flexible and hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of adult social care legislation and safeguarding principles.
• Experience in risk assessment, safeguarding and strengths-based practice.
• Ability to work with adults, carers and partner organisations to promote independence.

Responsibilities

• Complete strengths-based assessments focusing on what matters to people and their independence.
• Assess and respond to care needs, risk and safeguarding concerns upholding rights and dignity.
• Develop and review proportionate support plans with adults and carers using community resources.
• Collaborate with health professionals, housing, voluntary organisations and other partners for coordinated support.
• Manage a varied caseload and maintain accurate records and high-quality assessments and reports.
• Apply resilient, reflective practice and continuous learning to improve outcomes.

Skills

Assessment

Caseload management

Communication

Collaboration

Job description

Our Adults Neighbourhoods Team works alongside adults, carers, families and communities to promote independence, wellbeing and positive outcomes. We begin with what matters to each person, recognising their strengths, relationships and community connections before considering formal support. As a Social Worker, you'll undertake strengths-based assessments, manage a varied caseload and support adults and carers to make informed choices about their lives. Working collaboratively with health, housing, voluntary and community partners, you'll help prevent needs from escalating, support safe and timely hospital discharges and enable people to remain safe and independent wherever possible. This role directly supports Somerset Council's vision of a fairer, better future, helping people live healthy, independent lives and remain connected to the relationships, networks and communities that matter to them.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Complete strengths-based assessments that focus on what matters to people, recognising their abilities, relationships and opportunities to maintain or improve their independence.
• Assess and respond to care and support needs, risk and safeguarding concerns, promoting people's rights, dignity, choice and control.
• Develop and review proportionate support plans with adults and carers, making effective use of community resources and reducing reliance on formal services wherever appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with health professionals, housing, voluntary organisations and other partners to provide coordinated support, prevent avoidable hospital admissions and enable safe, sustainable discharges.
• Manage a varied caseload, maintain accurate records and produce clear, high-quality assessments, reports and professional recommendations.
  Sound knowledge of adult social care legislation, safeguarding, risk management and strengths-based practice.
• Experience of completing assessments and working collaboratively with adults, carers, professionals and partner organisations.
• Strong communication, relationship-building and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and respond effectively to changing circumstances.
• Resilience, empathy and professional curiosity, alongside a creative approach to problem-solving and a commitment to continued learning and reflective practice.
  We're looking for someone who shares our commitment to working as one team, striving for excellence and building belonging. You'll listen to different perspectives, work openly with others and look for creative ways to achieve better outcomes for the people and communities we support.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 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.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.