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 salary, generous leave, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team that values creativity and empowerment.
- 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 47181 - 48226 £ 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, 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 safeguarding team and chairing of safeguarding meetings.
You would need to demonstrate professional autonomy and be able to work both effectively and collaboratively with internal & external partners, including health colleagues. You will need to be able to demonstrate excellent communication and negotiation skills and be able to promote a personalized 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 work 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.
Further information
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments: Post Specification Role Profile
Contact: Juliet Philipson, Team Manager, Juliet.Philipson@cumbria.gov.uk, 03003733301 / 07887737321
Application and Interview information Closing date: Sunday 7th June 2026
Company: Westmorland and Furness Council Salary: £47,181 to £48,226 Location: Barrow in Furness, Cumbria Sector: Health and Social Care Sector: Social Care Sector: Healthcare Management Job Role: Social Worker
Lead Social Worker WMF2939e employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Westmorland and Furness Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and innovative work environment for social workers passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Located in Barrow in Furness, our team prioritises professional development, providing opportunities for growth and collaboration while ensuring a strong focus on person-centred practice. With competitive benefits, including a generous pension scheme and enhanced annual leave, we foster a culture of empowerment and community engagement, making it a rewarding place to work.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
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 share examples of how you've supported team members or managed complex cases. This will demonstrate your fit for the Lead Social Worker role.
✨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 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 practice 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 why you’re a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application smoothly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨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
As a Lead Social Worker, strong communication and negotiation skills are essential. Prepare examples of how you've effectively collaborated with colleagues and supported individuals in achieving their goals. This will demonstrate your ability to empower others and work as part of a team.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience in supervising and guiding team members. Highlight specific instances where you've led initiatives or contributed to professional development within your team. This will illustrate your capability to take on the responsibilities of a Lead Social Worker.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and risk management skills. Think through potential situations you might encounter in the role and how you would handle them, showcasing your sound professional judgement and autonomous decision-making.
