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 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 on Juliet.Philipson@cumbria.gov.uk 03003733301 / 07887737321
Application and Interview information
Closing date: Sunday 7th June 2026
Lead Social Worker WMF2939e 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 WMF2939e
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might know about opportunities at Westmorland and Furness Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of current legislation and best practices in social work. We want you to shine when discussing how you can empower individuals and support their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss your experience in supervising and guiding team members. Highlight how you've contributed to creating a supportive environment in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the amazing benefits we offer.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Social Worker WMF2939e
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 empowering individuals and making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the role. We love seeing how your background fits with our values and the specific needs of the Learning Disability, Transition and Autism Team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to communicate your qualifications and experiences effectively without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
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 practice. Being able to discuss how these laws apply to your role will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about ensuring compliance and best practices.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with both colleagues and clients. Highlighting your ability to build relationships and manage conflicts will demonstrate your strong interpersonal skills, which are crucial for a Lead Social Worker.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience in supervising and guiding team members. Share specific instances where you've led a project or supported a colleague, as this will illustrate your leadership capabilities and commitment to professional development.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role, such as managing complex cases or balancing risks. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills during the interview.
