At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities through assessments and tailored care plans.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council committed to community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, flexible hours, and health support.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in adult care and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Hybrid – approximately 40% of time working in the community and 60% office based. Contract to start early September 2026.
We are seeking experienced Social Workers with post‑qualifying experience, qualified (BA/MA Social Work, DipSW, CQSW or CSS) and registered with Social Work England.
Responsibilities- Carry out strength‑based assessments with adults and carers, identifying needs and eligibility under the Care Act 2014 across community, hospital and residential settings.
- Complete statutory and specialist assessments, including mental capacity, best interest and risk assessments, in line with relevant legislation and best practice.
- Manage a caseload appropriate to your experience and role, ensuring timely, person‑centred interventions that promote independence, wellbeing and choice.
- Review and monitor support plans to ensure services remain appropriate, effective and responsive to changing needs.
- Respond to duty work and urgent referrals, supporting adults at key points of risk or transition.
- Develop and coordinate care and support packages, including the use of Direct Payments and Self‑Directed Support, ensuring best use of resources while achieving positive outcomes.
- Chair and contribute to professional meetings, including safeguarding, case conferences and reviews, and prepare high‑quality reports for statutory and legal settings.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, partner agencies and other professionals, while supporting the development of students and less‑experienced staff and maintaining professional standards set by Social Work England.
- Qualified Social Worker (BA/MA Social Work, DipSW, CQSW or CSS) with strong post‑qualifying experience and current registration with Social Work England.
- Full UK Driving Licence or access to mobility support.
- Sound knowledge of key adult social care legislation, including the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, safeguarding frameworks, hospital discharge requirements and related guidance.
- Experience working with adults and carers who have physical disabilities, mental health needs and learning disabilities.
- Proven ability to undertake assessments, apply eligibility criteria and develop person‑centred support plans that promote independence, choice and wellbeing.
- Experience managing risk and contributing to safeguarding processes, using professional judgement to make timely, defensible decisions.
- Strong communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to work effectively with individuals, families, colleagues and partner agencies.
- Well‑developed organisational and IT skills, including accurate case recording, workload prioritisation and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
If successful, a DBS check and enhanced Disclosure will be required.
Benefits- Competitive Salary.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme – local government pension benefits.
- Generous Annual Leave – 28 days (increasing to 32 days after 5 years, 2 of which can be fixed by the Council) with option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours – up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs).
- Hybrid & Flexible Working – support for a healthy work‑life balance.
- Learning & Development – access to training and progression opportunities.
- Health & Wellbeing Support – discounted gym memberships and mental health resources.
- Cycle to Work Scheme – tax‑efficient programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme – salary‑sacrifice car scheme after 12 months service.
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice – via VIVUP platform for shopping, travel, white goods, electronics, etc., after 6 months service.
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels belonging, respect and empowerment. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. The Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust shortlisting criteria to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process.
How to ApplyApply online at the Gateshead Council recruitment portal.
Social Worker - Learning Disability Team in Gateshead employer: Gateshead Council
Gateshead Council is an excellent employer for Social Workers in the Learning Disability Team, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and flexible working arrangements, staff can achieve a healthy work-life balance while making a meaningful impact in the community. The Council's commitment to equal opportunities and continuous learning ensures that employees feel valued and empowered in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Learning Disability Team in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might know about openings in learning disability teams. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren't even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of key legislation like the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act. We want you to feel confident discussing how you’d handle assessments and support plans, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with real-life examples during interviews. Talk about specific cases where you’ve made a difference, especially in promoting independence and wellbeing for adults with learning disabilities. We love hearing about your impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Learning Disability Team in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities of a Social Worker in the Learning Disability Team.
Showcase Your Assessments Skills:Since you'll be carrying out strength-based assessments, it’s crucial to demonstrate your experience in this area. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed assessments and developed person-centred support plans in your previous roles.
Highlight Collaboration Experience:Working collaboratively is key in this role. Be sure to mention any experiences where you’ve worked with colleagues, partner agencies, or contributed to professional meetings. We love to see strong communication and relationship-building skills!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our Gateshead Council recruitment portal! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateshead Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Brush up on key adult social care legislation like the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just qualified, but also knowledgeable about the frameworks that guide your work.
✨Prepare for Strength-Based Assessments
Think of examples from your past experience where you've carried out strength-based assessments. Be ready to explain how you identified needs and eligibility, as this is a crucial part of the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since strong communication is vital in this role, prepare to discuss how you've built relationships with clients, families, and colleagues. Share specific instances where your communication made a positive impact.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you manage your caseload and prioritise tasks. Highlight any tools or methods you use to stay organised, as this will reassure them of your ability to handle the demands of the job.
