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- Tasks: Deliver innovative social work to empower adults with learning disabilities.
- Company: Join Sunderland City Council's dedicated Learning Disabilities Team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and tailored professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive team culture with exciting training and mentoring opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and registration with SW England required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about delivering innovative, strengths based social work with adults? Sunderland City Council are looking for highly motivated qualified social workers for our Learning Disabilities Team to join us on our journey from Good to Outstanding. Using Strengths Based approaches, we are proud and committed to working alongside residents and carers to enable them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives as part of their local communities. Exciting opportunities are available within our Learning Disabilities team and we welcome applications from both experienced and newly qualified social workers.
Responsibilities
- Undertaking Strengths-Based assessments, developing and reviewing care and support plans to ensure they meet shared / best outcomes.
- Multi agency working in close partnership with residents, Carers and other stakeholders.
Professional development
The successful candidates can expect to be well-supported in their professional development with opportunities for progression in specialisms such as Practice Educator, Best Interests Assessor and Approved Mental Health Professional.
Qualifications
- Excellent communication and assessment skills, plus a solid understanding of the relevant statutory frameworks especially the Care Act 2014.
- The ability to evidence and demonstrate best practice and be accountable for their work.
- The ability to work with an appropriate level of autonomy as well as within a busy social work team.
- The ability to meet targets and deadlines, including data quality.
- A Social Work qualification and be registered with SW England.
- The ability to work a flexible working pattern if required to meet changing demands.
Desirable
- Working knowledge of Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
- Understanding of the Transforming Care Agenda.
Why choose Sunderland?
Sunderland was assessed as Good by CQC in our 2025 inspection. It is an exciting place to work with a range of additional benefits. Regionally competitive salary and pay scales; Essential car user allowance; Hybrid working arrangements supporting a blended home/office model. Office space includes community bases plus our City Hall which offers a dedicated Adult Social Care space with facilities to support individual working requirements and collaboration. We offer a supportive team environment and a culture of learning and development across Adult Social Care, with exciting training and development opportunities, including individually tailored coaching and mentoring; Practice Education and Supervisor; AMHP; BIA.
Additional information
Sunderland City Council is committed to safeguarding vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and will be subject to a DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
For further information or discussion, please contact Jayne Cook, Team Manager 07443202038. Applications should be made online at northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil. For further assistance contact: jobs@sunderland.gov.uk. Please note that CVs are not acceptable. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered online with North East Jobs, including invitations to online assessments and interviews if shortlisted. Please check your email inbox after the closing date for notifications as you may not be notified by any other means. Please remember to check your junk mail items.
Social Work - Learning Disabilities - Adult Service employer: Sunderland City Council
Contact Detail:
Sunderland City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work - Learning Disabilities - Adult Service
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Sunderland City Council and their Learning Disabilities Team. Understanding their values and recent projects can help you connect your experience to what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your strengths-based approach! Be ready to discuss how you've used this method in your previous roles. Share specific examples that highlight your skills in assessment and care planning, as this will show you’re a perfect fit for their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider tips about the interview process and the team culture. This can give you an edge and help you tailor your responses during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to submit your application via northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil. It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people and keeps everything organised for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work - Learning Disabilities - Adult Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for social work! In your application, share why you're passionate about working with adults and how you can contribute to our journey from Good to Outstanding.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any relevant experience you have, especially in strengths-based approaches. We want to know how you've made a difference in previous roles, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application: Take the time to tailor your application to the job description. Mention specific skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for, like your understanding of the Care Act 2014 and multi-agency working.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website at northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil. This ensures your application gets to us directly and helps streamline the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunderland City Council
✨Know Your Strengths-Based Approach
Make sure you understand the strengths-based approach thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this in your previous roles or how you plan to implement it in your work with adults with learning disabilities.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Legislation
Brush up on the Care Act 2014, Mental Health Act, and Mental Capacity Act. Being able to reference these during your interview will show that you’re not only knowledgeable but also serious about your role in safeguarding vulnerable adults.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with residents, carers, and multi-agency partners. Highlighting your ability to build relationships and work collaboratively will be key in demonstrating your fit for the team.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, professional development opportunities, and the council's vision for the Learning Disabilities Team. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.