At a Glance
- Tasks: Support older adults and those with disabilities to live independently and safely.
- Company: Lancashire County Council, committed to improving lives through social care.
- Benefits: Up to 32 days annual leave, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career in social work.
- Qualifications: Registered or applying for Social Work England registration; DBS clearance required.
The predicted salary is between 36363 - 40777 £ per year.
Our service is launching Living Better Lives, a strengths‑based vision for Adult Social Care across Lancashire. As a Social Worker on the Older People and Physical Disabilities team you will support adults to live well, safely and as independently as possible in their homes and communities. Collaboration and co‑production are integral to our approach. You will work alongside partners, community organisations, carers and the people we support to shape meaningful, personalised outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver direct social work services to older adults and those with physical disabilities, supporting them to live safely and independently.
- Carry out assessments and create care plans that reflect the needs and aspirations of clients.
- Collaborate with partners, community organisations and carers to coordinate support and services.
- Advocate for clients and ensure that services meet the quality and safety standards set by social care law.
- Provide ongoing supervision and professional development opportunities for yourself and, where appropriate, senior staff.
Qualifications
- Registered with Social Work England (SWE) or in the process of applying for registration.
- Current DBS clearance (or the willingness to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check).
- Legal entitlement to work in the UK and sufficient car insurance for business use.
- Demonstrated ability to work within a strengths‑based, person‑centred framework.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave: up to 32 days, 8 bank holidays and 2 additional statutory days during the festive season.
- Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contribution.
- Relocation reimbursement to support staff who need to move to the area.
- Wellbeing Support Programme for you and your family.
- Access to a wide range of staff discounts through Vivup (including car leasing, shopping, entertainment, gym memberships, holidays).
- A supportive, inclusive team environment with emphasis on professional development.
Professional Development & Support
Our Social Care Academy provides an excellent induction programme, and ongoing training is available to support career progression within Lancashire County Council’s Adult Social Care service.
Legal and Recruitment Information
The post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Successful applicants will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service certificate. For more detail, refer to the recruitment guidance provided separately. Applicants must be able to provide a vehicle for use in connection with the duties of this post and be insured for business use.
Social Worker | Older People and Physical Disabilities | Neighbourhoods | Adult Social Care employer: Lancashire County Council
Join Lancashire County Council as a Social Worker and be part of a transformative team dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults and those with physical disabilities. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, professional development, and a supportive work culture, you will have access to generous benefits including up to 32 days of annual leave, a Local Government Pension Scheme, and a Wellbeing Support Programme. This role not only offers meaningful work in your community but also provides opportunities for career progression within a nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker | Older People and Physical Disabilities | Neighbourhoods | Adult Social Care
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Lancashire County Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Lancashire County Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Lancashire County Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Lancashire County Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker | Older People and Physical Disabilities | Neighbourhoods | Adult Social Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Lancashire County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Lancashire County Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.