Social Worker

Durham County Council; Spennymoor; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

LG Pension Scheme

27 days annual leave

Job summary

Durham County Council is seeking a compassionate Social Worker to join the Integrated Learning Disability Team. You will work with people with learning disabilities, families and health partners to promote independence and person-centred planning.

You will assess needs, develop plans, coordinate services and contribute to safeguarding and risk management. Applicants should have DipSW/CSS/CQSW or equivalent and be registered with Social Work England, or be in the process.

Qualifications

• Awareness of Care Act issues, especially care coordination.
• Applicants awaiting Social Work England registration may apply and will transition to the Social Worker role after registration.

Responsibilities

• Undertake assessments and develop support plans.
• Coordinate services and contribute to safeguarding and risk management.
• Build positive relationships and champion people’s rights.

Skills

Care Act awareness

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

DipSW, CSS, CQSW or equivalent

Tools

Social Work England registration

Job description

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

We are looking for a compassionate and motivated Social Worker to join our Integrated Learning Disability Team. You will work alongside people with learning disabilities, their families, carers, health colleagues and community partners, supporting individuals to achieve what matters most to them, promote independence, and overcome barriers to living the life they choose.

As part of our multidisciplinary team, you will undertake assessments, develop support plans, coordinate services, and contribute to safeguarding and risk management where required.

Most importantly, you will be build positive relationships, champion people's rights, and ensure their voice is at the heart of decision-making.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference while being part of a collaborative team that values inclusion, respect, and strengths-based practice.

Please visit our website to find out more about working in Adult Social Work at Durham County Council.

We encourage you to contact Pauline Young, Team Manager on Tel: [phone] or via email at [e-mail] to arrange an informal discussion about the role.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate an awareness of current issues relating to the Care Act, particularly in relation to care coordination.

Required Qualifications:

• DipSW, CSS, CQSW or an equivalent social work qualification, and Social Work England registration (or be in the process of applying).

Applicants awaiting Social Work England registration are welcome to apply. Successful candidates will be appointed to a Social Work Assistant position, on the appropriate pay scale, until Social Work England registration is confirmed. Upon receipt of registration, they will transition into the Social Worker role and salary grade.

Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.

If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING

Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Children's Barred List and Adults Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity.

Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children, adults or both.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held week commencing 23rd November 2026.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

• We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years' continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website
• Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.