Advanced Practitioner Social Worker - Learning Disability & Autism Service (Adults)

Advanced Practitioner Social Worker – Learning Disability & Autism Service (Adults)

Location: Bridgwater. Full time, 37 hours per week. Salary: £41,771 to £46,142 per annum (Grade 9; appointments normally made at the bottom of the salary scale).

What will I be doing?

• Work as part of a small, supportive Learning Disability and Autism service in the East of Somerset, supporting a team of up to four Social Workers and two Adult Social Care Practitioners.
• Receive regular supervision from the Service Manager and contribute to service planning and expectations for the Department.
• Provide supervision to Social Workers and informal guidance to the team. Participate in a duty system across both sides of the County; Advanced Practitioners share responsibility for managing the duty system and rota.
• Utilise motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, and positive risk management techniques in work with people we support.
• Collaborate with colleagues and specialist professionals in weekly Peer Forum discussions to inform decision making, including requests for increases to personal budgets and packages of care.
• Engage with other specialist teams in the Authority (e.g., Preparing for Adulthood, Commissioning, Occupational Therapy, DOLS, Mental Health, Safeguarding, CHC) and with LD Health colleagues in Somerset Foundation Trust.
• Promote a strength-based, personalised approach using the three conversations model to help people live more independent and fulfilling lives.
• Guide the team to support residents to remain independent in their communities, tailor solutions to citizen needs, and promote independence in all activities.

Responsibilities and practice framework

• Lead and develop practice within the team, supporting professional leadership and development.
• Liaise with Health and Social Care colleagues and key partners to improve service provision, team training, and recruitment.
• Contribute to a culture of empowerment and personalised care, aiming for “gloriously ordinary lives” for service users.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

• Be an accomplished social work professional with substantial experience since qualification.
• Have access to/use of a vehicle (essential requirement for this role).

What’s in it for me?

• Great training and development opportunities, with supportive management.
• A comprehensive induction programme and ongoing CPD opportunities, including a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme.
• Hybrid working options where the role allows, plus flexible benefits and a clear career pathway with apprenticeships, leadership and professional programmes.
• Local Government pension scheme and employee support networks that promote diversity and wellbeing.
• Relocation assistance up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility) and access to discounts such as Blue Light Card and MyStaff Shop.
• Relocation allowances and cycle-to-work schemes are available depending on eligibility.

Other information

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check required for this post.
• This role is a Grade 9 post.

How to apply and contact

For questions about becoming an Advanced Practitioner Social Worker with Somerset Council, contact Helen Readdy, Recruitment & Engagement Officer, at 01823 355166 or 07977 410483 or email Helen.Readdy@somerset.gov.uk.

We are a socially active council and welcome applications from diverse backgrounds to enrich our teams. When applying, please provide your full employment history and explain any gaps. We reserve the right to close the advert early if a sufficient number of applications is received.