Social Worker - Learning Disabilities (Bridgwater) (Adults)

Somerset Council; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking an experienced Adult Social Worker for the Learning Disabilities team in Bridgwater. You will assess adults with learning disabilities, develop personalised care plans, and work with families and carers to enable independence and choice.

The role combines direct practice with strong collaboration across agencies to promote safe, dignified support. You will hold a recognised Social Work qualification, be registered with Social Work England, and bring risk-management

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker with current registration and knowledge of Social Work England guidelines.
• Experience or strong interest in learning disabilities and adult social care.
• Ability to assess risk and develop person-centred care plans.
• Excellent communication with diverse clients, families and professionals.
• Commitment to promoting independence, dignity and inclusion in daily life.

Responsibilities

• Undertake strength-based assessments for adults with learning disabilities and carers.
• Manage a caseload with proportionate care and regularly review care plans.
• Work with individuals and families to support informed decisions about care.
• Build relationships with health, housing and voluntary sector partners.
• Respond to safeguarding concerns and promote independence while ensuring safety.
• Support people in crisis using appropriate legislation and resources.
• Contribute to multi-agency working for coordinated care.
• Maintain accurate records in line with policy and legislation.
• Support carers through assessment and planning processes.

Skills

Risk management

Communication skills

Multi-agency collaboration

Independence and inclusion

Learning Disabilities experience

Education

Degree in Social Work

Registration with Social Work England

Job description

Closing date: 16th October 2026

Transform lives, champion rights & support adults to achieve their full potential.

Build your career. Make a difference. Support independence.

You are applying for the role of Adult Social Worker – Learning Disabilities team

• Location: Bridgwater
• Starting salary £38,510 rising annually up to £43,149
• Full time, 37 hours per week
• Ideal opportunity for an experienced practitioner looking for their next step
• 30 days annual leave entitlement

Role Purpose

As a Social Worker within the Learning Disabilities team, you will support adults with learning disabilities and their carers to live independently, safely and with choice and control over their lives.

You will work directly with individuals, families and carers, undertaking assessments, managing risk, and developing personalised care and support plans in line with the Care Act 2014.

This role offers the opportunity to build meaningful, long‑term relationships with people, supporting them to remain connected to their communities and achieve positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake strengths‑based assessments of need and risk for adults with learning disabilities and their carers
• Manage a caseload of varying complexity, ensuring care and support plans are appropriate, proportionate and regularly reviewed
• Work directly with individuals and families, supporting them to make informed decisions about their care and support
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with partner agencies, including health, housing and voluntary sector organisations
• Respond to safeguarding concerns, ensuring individuals are protected from harm while promoting independence
• Support individuals in crisis situations, using appropriate legislation and resources
• Contribute to multi‑agency working, ensuring coordinated and person‑centred approaches to care
• Maintain clear, accurate and timely records in line with policy and legislation
• Support carers through assessment and planning processes, recognising their needs and role

What We’re Looking For – Essential Skills/Experience

We’re looking for social workers who are committed to person‑centred, strengths‑based practice and who are passionate about supporting adults with learning disabilities.

You Will Have

• A recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England
• Experience or strong interest in working with adults with learning disabilities
• Ability to manage risk and make sound professional decisions
• Strong communication skills, including working with individuals with a range of communication needs
• Ability to work collaboratively across agencies while maintaining a clear social work perspective
• Commitment to promoting independence, dignity and inclusion

About The Team/Service

You will join a busy, supportive and experienced Learning Disabilities team, working alongside Social Workers, Adult Social Care Practitioners and partner agencies.

The Team Focuses On Enabling Individuals To

• Live as independently as possible
• Remain connected to their communities
• Have choice and control over their lives

You will work within a collaborative, multi‑agency environment, building strong relationships with health colleagues and local services, and developing your practice within a team that values reflection, learning and development.

Please note: We may consider offering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship to suitably qualified overseas social workers who are already residing in the UK. To be eligible, applicants must hold a recognised social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. Sponsorship will be assessed as part of the recruitment process. This is available only to candidates currently living in the UK, as unfortunately we are unable to provide resettlement support.

Due to the nature of the role and the geographical area of the service across Somerset, which is a largely rural county, with limitations around public transport the ability to be able to travel to any location is essential. Therefore, applicants must have full access to a vehicle that can be used for work purposes.

Person Specification

Criteria

Essential

Knowledge and understanding of Social Care practice as defined by Social Work England Guidelines, appropriate legislation and issues relevant to client group.

X Ability to speak fluent English as stated in Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016).

X Understanding of social care resources and provision available beyond statutory agencies.

X Awareness of government guidance and legislative changes across broad range of Social Service issues.

X Relevant multi-disciplinary Social Care experience within multi-disciplinary team – relevant to needs of post.

X Evidence of partnership working with other agencies including Social Care Services, Health Services, Voluntary Agencies and/or Education.

X A variety of experiences working with relevant client group including Learning Disabilities.

X Supervisory experience.

X Previous experience of working with health professionals.

X Possession of recognised Social Work Qualification – Degree in Social Work (BA), a master’s degree in social work, or equivalent.

X Registration with Social Work England.

X Ability to speak fluent English as stated in Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016).

X Demonstrates empathy, sensitivity, self‑awareness and acceptance of others.

X Able to prioritise workload, work with competing deadlines and organise time effectively.

X Self‑reliant and resilient – able to respond positively to difficult situations.

X Willingness to embrace organisational change.

X Access to / use of a vehicle is an essential requirement.

Desirable

1058/FG