Social Worker - Learning Disabilities and Neurodivergent Team in Halifax

Our Learning Disability and Neurodivergent Social Work team are recruiting full-time level 2 or level 3 Social Workers. We are looking for candidates that are ready and keen to promote good quality social work across the service and Borough.

In Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council, we like to do things differently. We are distinctive, diverse, kind and inclusive. Our Adult Services and Wellbeing 2034 Vision is simple but powerful: People are supported to live their largest life. We will always be kind and compassionate, creative and bold in helping people achieve their hopes and dreams. People are at the heart of all we do, they will feel valued and have an equal voice in their care and support. We will always respect people’s strengths and support them to be connected to their communities.

The Learning Disability and Neurodivergent Social Work Team plays a unique role in bringing this vision to life for people in Calderdale.

What we are looking for

• Compassion and resilience – the ability to sit with people in difficult times, listen deeply, and support them with kindness and professionalism.
• Strong practice knowledge – an understanding of adult social care, safeguarding, the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act, and the confidence to apply them.
• Creativity and resourcefulness – knowing that sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference.
• Collaboration – working as part of a multi-professional team, with families, carers and community networks.
• Values-led approach – respect for dignity, inclusion and diversity; a commitment to supporting people’s rights, independence and control.

We are seeking an individual who is passionate about adult social care and providing a high-quality service and is keen to develop their professional experience and knowledge further. You will play a key part in ensuring our continued success and will be joining a recently re-structured service that is dedicated to strengths-based and outcome-focused practice.

Role expectations

As a member of the team you will ensure that the service delivers positive outcomes for people. You will have a strong commitment to human rights, you will ensure the person’s voice is heard and acted upon. You will practice in a person centred and strength-based way, upholding rights in decision making. You will contribute to reflective practice pods within the team, establishing areas for improvement across the directorate.

The successful candidate will ensure their professional Social Work standards are maintained and ensure that their learning and development follows national practice standards. You will identify development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge and develop positive working relationships with a wide range of partners.

Collaboration and safeguarding

Partnership working is an essential and critical part of the role. The post holder will be required to work collaboratively with a wide range of partners including Statutory Organisations and the 3rd Sector to deliver outcomes for people in Calderdale.

Equality and inclusion

We would especially welcome applications from traditionally under-represented groups, including people of colour, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those with a disability. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels valued, included, and able to thrive.

What we are proud to offer

• Exceptional levels of support across the workforce, from a comprehensive induction through to continuous personal and professional development.
• Dedicated time for monthly group supervision and reflective pods, as well as regular quality shared discussions.
• Approachable and supportive managers who have an open door, provide regular advice surgeries and are willing to listen; we’re experienced professionals, we all pull together to support each other and share our expertise.
• An understanding that social work is challenging. We know how important it is to take care of ourselves. Work life balance is very important, and we’ll support you with that.
• Generous annual leave entitlement with an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service and enrolment into the local government pension scheme.
• Excellent technology and equipment that enables you to connect and collaborate from anywhere.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. Applicants to posts that are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act will require a DBS from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed.

Calderdale will reimburse the post holders required professional membership, annually. We may utilise digital interview methods. As part of our Vision, we aim to be a talented, resilient and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all and offer a variety of flexible working / job share opportunities for both full and part time staff. On 30 January 2019, the Council declared a climate emergency in a bold move to step up its action to tackle climate change. Calderdale Council embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and we are committed to providing an environment that is inclusive. We encourage applications from people who share our commitment to challenge inequality and promote diversity across Calderdale. We particularly welcome applications from communities that are currently under-represented in our organisation, including Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic applicants. All applications are anonymised before being seen by the selection panel.