Advanced Practitioner Social Worker - Adults
Somerset Council - Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, TA1 5DA
£250 per day | 6-Month Contract | 37 hours per week
Monday to Friday | Immediate Start Available
Overview
Somerset Council is seeking an experienced and dedicated Advanced Practitioner Social Worker to join our Adult Social Care team based at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton. This is a pivotal role within an acute hospital setting, working within an intermediate care model to support timely discharge planning, prevent unnecessary admissions, and ensure safe, person-centred transitions for adults with complex needs.
As an Advanced Practitioner, you will not only manage a complex caseload but also act as a source of professional support, leadership, and guidance to your team. You will help shape practice development, provide mentorship, and play a key role in ensuring our services are safe, responsive, and built around the individual.
Responsibilities
* Complex Case Management: Take the lead on high-risk or sensitive adult social care cases involving hospital discharges, long-term care planning, safeguarding, and mental capacity assessments.
* Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams including NHS staff, therapists, reablement teams, and community services to ensure timely and appropriate care packages.
* Mentoring and Professional Support: Provide supervision, mentoring, and coaching to newly qualified or less experienced social workers.
* Support staff with complex decision-making, risk assessments, and adherence to legal frameworks such as the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
* Practice Development & Quality Assurance: Identify gaps or areas for improvement in practice and workflow, contributing to service development and quality assurance initiatives.
* Assist in the implementation of best practice models, policies, and procedures to drive consistent, high-quality outcomes.
* Leadership & Team Support: Support the Team Manager in day-to-day operations, deputising when required.
* Promote a learning culture, helping to foster resilience, confidence, and continuous professional development within the team.
* Record Keeping & Reporting: Maintain clear, accurate, and timely records using the council's case management systems. Produce high-quality reports and assessments that may be used in reviews, safeguarding meetings, or legal proceedings.
Qualifications
* Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
* Minimum 3 years post-qualifying experience in adult social care.
* Prior experience in hospital discharge, intermediate care, or integrated health and social care settings.
* Excellent knowledge of relevant legislation (Care Act, MCA, DoLS, Safeguarding).
* Strong decision-making skills, with the ability to manage risk, solve problems, and act with autonomy.
* Proven experience in mentoring or supervising colleagues, or working in a senior or advanced practitioner role.
* Comfortable working in a high-paced hospital environment where teamwork and adaptability are essential.
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