Social Worker - Learning Disabilities (Taunton) (Adults)

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

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Job summary

Somerset Council in Taunton is seeking an experienced Social Worker to support adults with learning disabilities to live independently and with choice and control. You will assess needs, manage risk, and develop personalised care plans within the Care Act 2014 framework.

You will build relationships with individuals, families, carers and partner agencies, ensuring person-centred, strengths-based practice and safeguarding where needed. A busy, supportive team environment awaits.

Qualifications

• Recognised Social Work qualification and 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 with individuals with a range of communication needs.
• Ability to collaborate across agencies while maintaining a social work perspective.
• Commitment to promoting independence, dignity and inclusion.

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.

Skills

Person-centred practice

Strong communication

Collaboration across agencies

Risk management

Empathy

Time management

Education

Social Work qualification and SWEngland registration

Master or BA in Social Work

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. This is an opportunity to work in a role where your social work values, professional judgement and relationships with people are at the heart of practice. If you are passionate about supporting adults with learning disabilities to live meaningful, independent lives within their communities, this role offers a supportive environment to grow and develop.

Job details

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

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.

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

Additional Information

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 only available to candidates currently living in the UK, as unfortunately we are unable to provide resettlement support.

Travel Requirements

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.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact: Helen Readdy – Recruitment & Engagement Officer, Adults – [e-mail]

Person Specification

Essential

• Knowledge and understanding of Social Care practice as defined by Social Work England Guidelines, appropriate legislation and issues relevant to client group.
• Understanding of social care resources and provision available beyond statutory agencies.
• Awareness of government guidance and legislative changes across broad range of Social Service issues.
• Relevant multi-disciplinary Social Care experience within multi-disciplinary team - relevant to needs of post.
• Evidence of partnership working with other agencies including Social Care Services, Health Services, Voluntary Agencies and/or Education.
• A variety of experiences working with relevant client group including Learning Disabilities.
• Supervisory experience.
• Previous experience of working with health professionals.
• Possession of recognised Social Work Qualification – Degree in Social Work (BA), a master’s degree in social work, or equivalent.
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Ability to speak fluent English as stated in Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016).
• Demonstrates empathy, sensitivity, self-awareness and acceptance of others.
• Able to prioritise workload, work with competing deadlines and organise time effectively.
• Self-reliant and resilient - able to respond positively to difficult situations.
• Willingness to embrace organisational change.
• Access to / use of a vehicle is an essential requirement.

1070/FG