At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead social work practice in a hospital setting, supporting colleagues and improving patient outcomes.
- Company: Join Somerset Council, committed to diversity and making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, a secure pension scheme, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Opportunities for progression and leadership development in a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact during critical moments in people's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Must have a Social Work qualification and experience in Adult Social Care.
The predicted salary is between 43149 - 43149 £ per year.
Hospital social work offers a unique opportunity to make a difference at some of the most significant moments in people's lives.
- Salary: £43,149 per annum, rising annually to £47,665
- Contract: Permanent
- Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
- Location: Yeovil
- Closing date: 11th November 2026
At the heart of our approach is hopeful social work. We challenge pessimism, focus on strengths and possibilities, and continually ask one key question:
"Why not home?"
As an Advanced Practitioner within our Hospital Interface Service (HIS), you'll combine advanced social work practice with professional leadership, supporting colleagues, influencing service development and helping people achieve the best possible outcomes following a hospital stay.
About the Role
The Hospital Interface Service works at the heart of Somerset's integrated health and social care system, supporting people throughout their hospital journey and helping them return safely to the lives that matter most to them.
Hospital social work is a specialist area of practice that combines professional curiosity, complex decision-making and multidisciplinary working to achieve the best possible outcomes for people and their families.
As an Advanced Practitioner Social Worker within HIS, you will provide professional leadership and advanced practice support across a busy hospital-based social work team.
Working closely with the Service Manager, you will support practitioners with complex casework, safeguarding, risk management, discharge planning and professional decision-making.
- How You'll Make a Difference
- Provide professional leadership and advanced social work practice within the Hospital Interface Service.
- Support practitioners with complex casework, safeguarding, Mental Capacity Act work and discharge planning.
- Deliver reflective supervision, coaching and professional support to Social Workers and Adult Social Care Practitioners.
- Lead professional decision-making, complex risk management and case discussions.
- Support colleagues with Court of Protection activity and legal frameworks where appropriate.
- Champion strengths-based and person-centred practice across the service.
- Work alongside health colleagues to promote effective discharge planning, admission avoidance and positive outcomes.
- Act as a source of expertise for social care staff, supporting learning, development and practice improvement.
- Support audits, quality assurance activity and service development initiatives.
- Work alongside the Service Manager to help build a high-performing and supportive team culture
- What You'll Bring
Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
Significant post-qualifying experience within Adult Social Care .
Experience supporting practitioners with complex casework and professional decision-making.
- Strong knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, safeguarding legislation and relevant legal framework s.
- Confidence providing professional leadership, challenge and guidance to colleagues.
- Excellent risk assessment, analysis and problem-solving skills.
- Experience of multidisciplinary working and building effective relationships with health colleagues and partner agencies.
- A commitment to reflective practice, continuous improvement and developing others.
- Resilience, adaptability and the ability to thrive within a fast-paced hospital environment.
Why Join Us?
30 days annual leave plus bank holidays , with the option to purchase additional leave.
Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
- Ongoing leadership development and advanced practice opportunities.
- Dedicated learning and development support.
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
- Paid volunteering opportunities.
Find out more about working at Somerset Council: https://www. somerset. gov. uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/
Further Information
This is a hospital-based role , working onsite within Yeovil District Hospital alongside NHS colleagues.
- The role includes supervision of Social Workers and Adult Social Care Practitioners.
- Opportunities for progression, leadership development and advanced practice are actively supported through supervision and training.
- Please note we may consider Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for suitably qualified Social Workers who are already residing in the UK.
Sponsorship will be assessed as part of the recruitment process.
- Due to the nature of the role and the geographical area covered, applicants must have full access to a vehicle that can be used for work purposes.
- We welcome applications from disabled candidates and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments from the first point of contact.
- For an informal chat about the role, please contact
Helen Readdy, Recruitment & Engagement Lead , via email
helen. readdy@somerset. gov. uk
We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.
You can find a copy of the job description here: Advanced Practitioner Social Worker - Job Description - SCG1433
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Advanced Practitioner - Social Worker - Health Interface Service (Yeovil) (Adults) employer: Somerset County Council
Somerset County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the welfare of children and families in Yeovil. With a strong commitment to continuous professional development and flexible hybrid working arrangements, employees are empowered to manage complex caseloads while contributing to meaningful service improvements. Join us to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people, all within a collaborative and nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Practitioner - Social Worker - Health Interface Service (Yeovil) (Adults)
✨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 Somerset 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 Somerset 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 Somerset 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 Somerset 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 Advanced Practitioner - Social Worker - Health Interface Service (Yeovil) (Adults)
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 Somerset County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Somerset 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 Somerset 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.
