At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
- Company: Join Westmorland and Furness Council, a supportive and innovative workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, enhanced leave, and exclusive perks.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team that values empowerment and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with post-qualifying experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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 a 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 and control in achieving their goals. We value individuals’ 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 strength-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 who have complex needs and who require effective risk management, working with the safeguarding team and chairing safeguarding meetings.
You would need to demonstrate professional autonomy and be able to work both effectively and collaboratively with internal and external partners, including health colleagues. You will need to be able to demonstrate excellent communication and negotiation skills and be able to promote a personalised 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 escalate 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.
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 below attachments: Post Specification, Role Profile.
If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Juliet Philipson, Team Manager at Juliet.Philipson@cumbria.gov.uk or call 03003733301 / 07887737321.
Application and Interview information: Closing date: Sunday 7th June 2026.
Lead Social Worker - Learning Disability & Autism Team employer: Healthcare Management
At Westmorland and Furness Council, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and innovative work culture that empowers our staff to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Located in the picturesque Barrow in Furness area, we provide competitive benefits, including a generous pension scheme and enhanced annual leave, alongside ample opportunities for professional development and team collaboration. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to promoting individual rights and achieving meaningful outcomes for the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Social Worker - Learning Disability & Autism Team
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who are already working at Westmorland and Furness Council. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of current legislation and best practices in social work. We want to see your passion for empowering individuals shine through, so think of examples that showcase your strengths-based approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss your experience in supervising and supporting team members. We love candidates who can demonstrate how they’ve contributed to a positive team environment and promoted good practice.
✨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 supportive and creative team!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Social Worker - Learning Disability & Autism Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for social work shine through! We want to see how passionate you are about supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you in this field.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Lead Social Worker. We’re looking for specific examples of your strengths-based approach and how you've empowered individuals in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see how you fit into our team and the values we uphold.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can find more info about the team and benefits there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Healthcare Management
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the current legislation relevant to social work, especially around learning disabilities and autism. Being able to discuss how these laws apply to your practice will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about advocating for the rights of those you support.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your strong communication and negotiation skills. Think of situations where you've successfully collaborated with colleagues or supported individuals in achieving their goals. This will demonstrate your ability to create person-centred interventions and work effectively within a team.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since this role involves supervisory responsibilities, be ready to discuss your experience in guiding and supporting team members. Share specific instances where you've led a project or mentored a colleague, showcasing your leadership style and how it aligns with the values of the council.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and risk management skills. Practice articulating your thought process in unpredictable situations, focusing on how you balance risk while ensuring the safety and empowerment of individuals you support.
