At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower adults with learning disabilities to achieve independence and personal goals.
- Company: Join a passionate team in Devon's Central Supported Living Review Team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 26 days annual leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with a passion for supporting individuals.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 36840 £ per year.
Are you a dedicated Social Worker eager to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults aged 18 and over with learning disabilities? Do you thrive on empowering individuals to achieve greater independence and reach their personal living goals? Are you seeking a flexible role that will require you to travel across Devon and collaborate with a passionate team? If so, this opportunity could be the perfect fit for you!
Join our professional Central Supported Living Review Team, a group of Social Workers, Social Care Assessors and Occupational Therapists working countywide across Devon. Our focus is on conducting in-depth, high quality reviews for adults with learning disabilities who are predominantly in supported living arrangements throughout the county.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for a positive, motivated Social Worker who can confidently carry out reviews in line with the Care Act 2014, fulfilling all legal responsibilities including Mental Capacity Assessments and safeguarding awareness. Your role will involve reviewing individuals living in a variety of placements including supported living settings and will require you to build effective professional relationships with people, their families/Advocates/Representatives, supported living and care providers as well as evidencing professional curiosity.
What you’ll be doing
You will assess placement suitability using a strengths‑based aspirational approach that supports Devon County Council’s vision as described in the Living Well in Devon Strategy, supporting values that underpin transformational change in the lives of Devon residents. You will liaise with multiple teams across Devon County Council, including the Reaching for Independence Team, Community Health and Social Care Teams, the Autism and ADHD Team, Safeguarding, Commissioning, Contracts, Direct Payments Team and health colleagues including Devon Partnership Trust Learning Disability Services and Continuing Health Care.
Social Worker Career Pathway
We have implemented the first phase of a new Social Worker Career Pathway within our Adult Services, with vacancies available at the Social Worker (Grade F) or Experienced Social Worker (Grade G) levels. Our Social Worker and Experienced Social Worker roles align with the national Professional Capability Framework (PCF) for Social Workers, which provides a robust structure for all local authorities to use as a way of standardising professional capabilities and provides a clear career pathway. This is a fantastic opportunity to provide you with an achievable, clear pathway for your career; to enable you as a practitioner to reflect and identify your own practice and development on the PCF pathway. If successful in being shortlisted for interview, your experience, skills and knowledge will be assessed against the PCF domains and if found appointable, this will determine your appointment to either the Social Worker (Grade F) or Experienced Social Worker level (Grade G). With on‑going learning and support from your line manager, those appointed as a Social Worker will be able to evidence incremental learning and submit an application in due course for progression to the Experienced Social Worker (Grade G) via a portfolio of supporting evidence against the PCF framework.
What we can offer you
We are committed to your continuous professional development, doing all we can to help you to get the most from your career. You will receive excellent support and supervision, with regular opportunities to discuss and reflect on your practice, both with your line manager and peers. We offer 26 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays, rising incrementally to 31 days after 5 years’ service. Flexible working opportunities are available, these include part‑time hours, flexitime, compressed working hours and homeworking (subject to the needs of the role – please discuss at interview). Offer an opportunity to enter a generous Local Government Pension Scheme. As a place to live and work, Devon is hard to beat with top-performing schools, universities, vibrant cities, pretty villages and some of the most scenic coast and countryside in the UK. Living and working in Devon as a social worker has never been more attractive.
Please note: At this time, we are unable to consider overseas applications.
For an informal discussion please contact: libby.nicholls@devon.gov.uk; cassandra.monkman@devon.gov.uk
Interviews are due to be held on 23rd July 2026.
How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed. For internal applicants, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Essential details:
DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
Happy to Talk Flexible Working – The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part‑time, condensed hours etc. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice. For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page. We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit Work in the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). This role requires a DBS disclosure. This role requires a Social Work England Registration.
Social Worker – Adult Social Care – 9998 in Exeter employer: Proud to Care Devon
Join Devon County Council as a Social Worker and be part of a dedicated team committed to empowering adults with learning disabilities. With a strong focus on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the stunning scenery and vibrant communities that Devon has to offer. Our commitment to your growth and well-being makes us an excellent employer for those seeking a rewarding career in social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker – Adult Social Care – 9998 in Exeter
✨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 Proud to Care Devon.
✨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 Proud to Care Devon!
✨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 Proud to Care Devon, 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 Proud to Care Devon 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 – Adult Social Care – 9998 in Exeter
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 Proud to Care Devon:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Proud to Care Devon! 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 Proud to Care Devon
✨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.
