Social Worker

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a permanent Social Worker to join a well-established and supportive Adult Social Care Team. The team covers the more rural north patch of North Somerset including the towns of Clevedon, Portishead and Nailsea as well as all the surrounding villages.

We welcome applicants who are Experienced Social Workers and those who are Newly Qualified. We have an excellent ASYE programme for those who are newly qualified or already undergoing their ASYE. Our mentoring programme will enable professional growth and stimulate your professional curiosity assuring outstanding practice.

Working within key legislative frameworks including the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, you will be undertaking care needs assessments and co-produce care and support plans with individuals, identifying their strengths and assets to determine person-centred outcomes. You will undertake mental capacity assessments and be involved in best interest decision making. You will hold a manageable caseload and will have shared responsibility for coordinating safeguarding enquiries in a person-centred way.

Using your social work knowledge, skills, and values to promote the rights and choices of people with care and support needs, you will support people to identify and build upon their existing assets as well as access new resources to meet their identified outcomes. This can include supporting positive risk taking by applying defensible decision-making principles to promote and balance the independence, safety, and wellbeing of people with care and support needs.

We offer:

• Access to regular reflective supervision which empowers you to make evidence informed professional judgements drawing on the latest research, theories, legislation, and policy frameworks.
• The freedom to practice in a truly strength-based way which recognises the importance of prevention and goes beyond traditional case management.
• Full Learning and Development programme, Quality Assurance Framework and membership to Research in Practice (RIP): providing every member of staff access to their resources.
• Opportunities to access various training to enhance your skills, knowledge and performance as well as providing the opportunity to train in specific areas and access to regular legal and practice updates.
• Peer learning and group supervision and peer support groups where you can share your experience and learn from others.
• An annual conference for our Social Care staff inviting a range of high-profile speakers to the event to demonstrate our investment in our staff as well as provide time to reflect on and challenge our practice.
• A team approach that recognises individuals for their commitments, including an Annual Staff Awards event where individuals as well as teams get recognised and congratulated on their achievements.

Our Social workers are valued for their skills, knowledge and experience they bring to the services. They are key to delivering an outstanding service for the most vulnerable residents in North Somerset.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. A valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

This position is currently based at the Town Hall Weston super mare and will utilise drop downs for visits in the North.

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Mobile/Field Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 0-1 day in the office
• Includes field workers who primarily work remotely.
• Comes into the office for meetings or focused work. Virtual connections with the team are essential, with portable technology supporting work on the go.

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

For further information about the role, please contact Claire Gumus, Adult North Team Manager, 07825453770 at Claire.gumus@n-somerset.gov.uk.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: TBA

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK.

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.