The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details
Salary Grade I, SCP 34-38 (£46,579.00 to £50,908.00) per annum
Terms and Conditions: 2 x Full time roles, 37 hours, PermanentDepartment: Adults & Health Interview Date: 2nd December 2026
We encourage candidates to complete their application using their own words and experiences. While AI tools may be used for support, applications should accurately reflect your individual skills, knowledge, and suitability for the role.
Advanced Practitioner (Social Work) x 2
Location: Duke St, Blackburn Team: West and North/East Team
About the Role
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is an exciting place to work. Our Adults & Health department have a proud record of achievement in supporting adults and communities within our borough. We do this by promoting independence, health, wellbeing and through safeguarding from harm.
We are seeking to appoint two highly skilled and experienced Advanced Practitioners to join our Integrated Neighbourhood Teams. This is an exciting opportunity for accomplished social workers who are passionate about delivering outstanding practice, supporting colleagues, and providing leadership within a dynamic service.
The successful candidates will work with adults from the age of 17 through to older adulthood, including individuals requiring palliative and end-of-life care support. They will provide professional leadership across the team, support the Team Manager in the operational management of the service, and deputise in the Team Manager's absence.
Alongside leadership responsibilities, the role requires practitioners who can confidently manage and oversee complex cases, lead safeguarding activity, and promote high standards of practice that achieve positive outcomes for adults, carers, and their families.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Team Manager in the day-to-day operational management of the team and deputise in their absence.
- Provide professional leadership, mentoring, coaching, and practice guidance to social workers and other team members.
- Manage a complex caseload involving adults with multiple and often competing needs, risks, and vulnerabilities.
- Work with individuals from the age of 17 through to adulthood, including those requiring palliative and end-of-life care support.
- Lead on complex safeguarding enquiries and provide expert advice on safeguarding adults practice.
- Chair and lead safeguarding strategy meetings, multi-agency discussions, case reviews where required and progress safeguarding enquiries
- Support effective risk assessment, decision-making, and proportionate intervention planning.
- Promote strengths-based practice and person-centred approaches.
- Support the learning and development of colleagues through reflective practice, mentoring, and case consultation.
- Contribute to quality assurance, service improvement activities, and the promotion of best practice across the service.
- Develop and maintain strong multi-agency partnerships to ensure coordinated and effective support for adults and carers.
About You
You will be a qualified and registered Social Worker with significant post-qualifying experience within Adult Social Care and a proven ability to lead complex practice.
You will possess:
- Extensive experience working with adults from transition age (17+) through to end-of-life services.
- Significant experience managing complex and high-risk cases.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy, and practice.
- Experience of leading Section 42 safeguarding enquiries and multi-agency safeguarding processes.
- Experience chairing and leading safeguarding strategy meetings and complex professional discussions.
- Excellent leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills.
- The ability to support, challenge, and develop colleagues to achieve high standards of practice.
- Strong decision-making, analytical, and risk management skills.
- Excellent communication and partnership-working abilities.
- A commitment to promoting independence, wellbeing, and positive outcomes for adults and their carers.
What We Offer
- A supportive and experienced leadership team.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Regular supervision and reflective practice.
- A commitment to staff wellbeing and work-life balance.
- The opportunity to influence and shape practice within a high-performing Adult Social Care service.
Why Join Us?
This role is ideal for experienced social workers who are ready to take the next step in their career, combining leadership responsibilities with advanced practice. You will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on practice standards, support colleagues to grow and develop, and help deliver excellent outcomes for adults and their families across the lifespan, including those with the most complex needs.
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Team Manager Karen Duckworth or Amanda Harrison on 01254 585957.
Advanced Practitioner Social Worker employer: Blackburn with Darwen Council
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. As a Social Worker in the Transformation in Adult Supported Living role, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with complex needs while benefiting from ongoing training and collaboration with key partners in the community. Located in a vibrant area, the council fosters a sense of belonging and encourages innovative approaches to social care.
Contact Details:
Blackburn with Darwen Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Practitioner Social Worker
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Blackburn with Darwen Council often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackburn with Darwen Council
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Blackburn with Darwen Council. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Blackburn with Darwen Council.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Blackburn with Darwen Council.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Blackburn with Darwen Council.
