Lead Social Worker WMF2939e
Location: Craven House, covering the Furness Area
Contract Type: Permanent
About this opportunity
We have an exciting opportunity for the role of Lead Social Worker in the Learning Disability, Transition and Autism Team. We are a supportive and creative team working with adults and young people who have a Learning Disability and/or Autism and are looking for Lead Social Worker who is equally passionate about people, enthusiastic and motivated for the role. The team is based in Barrow in Furness area of Westmorland and Furness.
Our team is passionate and innovative in empowering and enabling adults we support to have choice, control in achieving their goals. We value individual’s qualities and strengths, and work to promote their rights and put the people we work with and the community they live in at the very heart of what we do.
As Lead Social Worker you would support the Team Manager and team in effective oversight of casework; promoting high standards of strengths based, person‑centred practice. You would be responsible for meeting the council’s statutory function by carrying out assessments, support planning and undertaking reviews, and having oversight of individuals with complex needs requiring effective risk management, working with safeguarding team and chairing safeguarding meetings.
You would need to demonstrate professional autonomy and be able to work both effectively and collaboratively with internal & external partners, including health colleagues.
You will need to be able to demonstrate excellent communication and negotiation skills and be able to promote a personalized and strengths‑based approach in supporting individuals and their carers to find innovative and creative solutions in meeting their outcomes. You will have good working knowledge of guiding legislation and its application to social work practice.
As part of the role, you will have supervisory responsibilities for staff and working alongside the Team Manager, contribute to the day‑to‑day running of the operational team and be integral to promoting good practice and professional development of team members.
You would need to be able to respond to delegated responsibilities by the Team Manager and appropriately represent the Council when required.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for a Qualified Social Worker with values that align with the values of our council. A passionate and dedicated Social Worker, with demonstrable post‑qualifying experience in professional practice backed by a Social Work Degree and registration with Social Work England.
You will have significant experience in independent assessment and support planning, alongside a good working knowledge of current legislation, theoretical models and best practice approaches.
The ideal candidate will be confident in balancing risk, making sound decisions in unpredictable situations, and contributing to team planning and resource allocation. Strong communication, people management, and collaboration skills are key in this role, as is the ability to create innovative, person‑centred interventions that empower individuals and support others to do so.
The ideal candidate will hold qualifications and experience in the role of either Practice Educator, Approved Mental Health Professional or Best Interests Assessor.
We are looking for someone who has experience of providing supervision, guidance and support to team members at all levels. Experienced in case load management and ability to assess, manage, and escalations risks. An individual with proven ability to demonstrate sound professional judgement, autonomous decision making and demonstrable leadership skills.
What can we offer you
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)
Testimonials from the Furness Learning Disability, Transition and Autism Team
‘I love being a part of the Learning disability team, the team are so supportive and help me develop my skills.’
Social Care Worker
‘Very rewarding, supportive team.’
Social Worker
"We are a lovely team who support each other well, it’s a privilege to work with the people in the B&F area, supporting people to live their best lives possible".
Transition Worker
Would you like to find out more
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the attachments.
Safer Recruitment & DBS
At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and requires an enhanced DBS check with a Children’s and Adults Barred List check.
Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with adults and Children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with adults and Children.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria of this job are guaranteed an interview.
We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old, that meet the essential criteria for the role.
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