Social Worker - Learning Disability & Autism Service (Adults)
Closing in 22 days (20 February, 2026)
Job details
Department: Social Care
Working pattern: Full Time
Location: Somerset
About the job
Some key information
Transform lives, champion rights & support adults to achieve their full potential.
* Locations:
* Mendip
* Bridgwater
* Full time, 37 hours per week
* Starting salary £37,280 rising to £41,771 per annum
* Hybrid working opportunities
* 30 days annual leave entitlement
* At Somerset Council, we are proud to support our frontline workers with access to innovative AI technology. Our greatest asset is our dedicated workforce, and we need to ensure we evolve with technology and new ways to invest in them. We’re currently utilising Magic Notes, which has proven to help social workers reduce the amount of time spent on administrative work, allowing them to focus on using their skillset and creativity to support our shared vision of improving the life chances and outcomes for adults in Somerset.
We are able to offer sponsorship for this role if you are already residing in the UK. As such, we are able to proceed with candidates who already have a sponsorship and are looking to apply this to a new opportunity if successful.
What will I be doing?
Working as part of a small, supportive Learning Disability and Autism service in the West or East of Somerset, completing Care Act assessments, reviews, mental capacity assessments, Safeguarding Enquiries and Court of Protection work. We operate a duty system in both sides of the County that everyone in the team participates in. This offers different ways of working with the people we support for example using motivational interviewing skills and crisis intervention work and positive risk management.
You will be given the opportunity to work closely with colleagues and specialist professionals to contribute to decision making as part of our weekly Peer Forum discussions. These are designed to enable a “critical friend” approach to request for increases to personal budgets and packages of care.
We work closely with other specialist teams in the Authority such as Preparing for Adulthood, Commissioning, Occupational Therapy, DOLS team, Mental Health, Safeguarding, and CHC as well as having close links and partnership working with our LD Health colleagues in Somerset Foundation Trust.
We advocate working in a strength based and personalised way, operating under the three conversations model to enable people to live more independent and fulfilling lives with positive outcomes.
Our goal of working with people to develop gloriously ordinary lives remains the same throughout our practice which means:
* Encouraging people to be independent, helping them grow their confidence and make the most of the support available to suit their individual needs.
* Identifying what people and families are worried about or what they want to achieve, exploring what support they already have and what they need.
* Developing great knowledge of your local area and working in partnership with local agencies.
* Providing creative solutions.
* Being a critical part of developing our new and exciting Adult Social Care service.
What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?
We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But to be successful in this role you will:
* Be a qualified Social Worker and be registered with Social Work England.
* Have access to/use of a vehicle is an essential requirement for this role.
What's in it for me?
At Somerset Council, we work hard to attract the best staff and we want to make sure that once you are on board, you are well supported and rewarded for the work you do.
We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:
* This grade offers 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and the option to request to buy up to 2 weeks additional annual leave pro rata.
* Hybrid working options where the role allows.
* A clear career pathway with apprenticeships, professional, leadership and academic programmes and qualifications, regular CPD opportunities and a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme
* A new comprehensive induction programme supported by Practice Development Advanced Practitioners, plus a confidential and impartial welcome call to ensure your induction goes smoothly.
* Ongoing support & development opportunities – regular CPD events arranged and delivered by our dedicated Adult Social Care Learning and Development team, including an annual Carnival of Practice event with key speakers such as the Chief Social Worker, a team of Advanced Practitioner – Practice Development roles to support our workforce, personalised personal development plans, a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme.
* Employee support networks that acknowledge and celebrate the richness of diversity and equality within our workforce.
* Guaranteed Interview Schemes – Disability Confident, Veterans, Care Leavers
* Employee assistance and support offering a variety of wellbeing services and events to support a healthy work/life balance inc. a free online gym offer, dedicated Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors and much more!
* Relocation of up to £8,000, subject to meeting eligibility requirements.
* Access to the Blue Light Card which offers thousands of discounts online and on the high street.
* My Staff Shop which offers a variety of discounts including cinemas, shopping, restaurants, gym discounts and more!
* Discounted lease car options via salary sacrifice, along with discounts on fuel
* Cycle to work scheme.
Anything else I should know?
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.
We recognise and welcome applications from disabled individuals who may require reasonable adjustments to meet this requirement, and we’re happy to discuss this from the first point of contact with the recruitment team.
This is a Grade 10 post with a current salary starting at £37,280 rising to £41,771 per annum. Appointments are normally made at the bottom of the salary scale.
When applying, please state the area you’d like to be considered for. Remaining open? That’s fine too, just let us know.
Got a question about becoming a Social Worker with Somerset Council? Give Helen Readdy, Recruitment & Engagement Officer a call on: 01823 355166 / 07971 696028 or email: Helen.Readdy@somerset.gov.uk
We are a socially active council and run many webinars and events, team away days, volunteering opportunities plus, hold regular staff Q&A sessions. We encourage professional development and training to support your learning and aspirations. And there are also a variety of networking groups and activities that you can join.
We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve so we will always welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our teams. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.
When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.
Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early if we have received a sufficient number of applications, so don't delay, apply today!
A bit more about Somerset Council
We are reclaiming narratives about social work and believe in the power of lived experiences of people (including workers) and sharing stories. To get a sense of this, listen to Social Work Sessions podcast: Social Work Sessions
Somerset is situated in a beautiful, rural county in a central southwest location but with good city links. With scenic countryside, historic sites, charming towns and villages, family-friendly attractions, beaches, festivals (Glastonbury!) and events, outdoor activities, zoos, water parks and plenty of local produce to try, there’s something for everyone!
DBS information
This post requires a criminal background check via the Disclosure procedure.
Supporting documents and information
Please read any attached documents before applying for this job
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