At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities to live independent and thriving lives.
- Company: Join Gateshead Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values creativity and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with post-qualifying experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Social Worker - Learning Disability Team
Hybrid - 40% of time spent working within the community / office based. Contract to start early September 2026.
To ensure a strong balance of skills and experience within the Learning Disability Team, we are seeking experienced Social Workers with post-qualifying experience.
Who we are and what we stand for:
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might just be the perfect match. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Put strengths-based practice at the heart of everything you do. Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council supports adults with care and support needs to live safe, independent and thriving lives. The service provides statutory assessments, safeguarding, prevention, and a wide range of community-based support in line with the Care Act 2014. Working in a strengths-based way, Adult Social Care focuses on wellbeing, independence and personalised outcomes, helping people to access the right support at the right time, whether through assessment and planning, enablement services, technology-enabled care, or wider community resources.
Make a real difference to adults’ lives every day. Gateshead Council is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Qualified Social Worker to join their Learning Disability Team. Our Learning Disability Team is made up of Social Workers, Assessing Officers, Senior Practitioners and Team Managers who work closely with other adult social care teams and external partners. It is a friendly and supportive team, you will be made very welcome.
We use a conversational approach, focusing on an individual’s strengths and the community around them, supporting Gateshead residents to live thriving lives. Teams across the service provide assessment, intervention, and support in relation to an individual’s social care needs with a focus on promoting wellbeing and independence, helping individuals take greater control over their lives by championing an early engagement model. Working in this way promotes the individual’s access to other agencies and provides them with the tools to be both physically and mentally healthy, reducing their need for long-term provisions and re-enabling them where possible.
What you'll get to do:
- Carry out strengths-based assessments with adults and carers, identifying needs and eligibility under the Care Act 2014 across a range of settings including community, hospital and residential environments.
- Complete statutory and specialist assessments, including mental capacity, best interest and risk assessments, in line with relevant legislation and best practice.
- Manage a caseload appropriate to your experience and role, ensuring timely, person-centred interventions that promote independence, wellbeing and choice.
- Review and monitor support plans to ensure services remain appropriate, effective and responsive to changing needs.
- Respond to duty work and urgent referrals, supporting adults at key points of risk or transition.
- Develop and coordinate care and support packages, including the use of Direct Payments and Self-Directed Support, ensuring best use of resources while achieving positive outcomes.
- Chair and contribute to professional meetings, including safeguarding, case conferences and reviews, and prepare high-quality reports for a range of statutory and legal settings.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, partner agencies and other professionals, while supporting the development of students and less experienced staff and maintaining professional standards set by Social Work England.
What you'll bring:
- Qualified Social Worker (BA/MA Social Work, DipSW, CQSW or CSS), with strong post-qualifying experience and current registration with Social Work England.
- Full UK Driving Licence or access to mobility support.
- Sound knowledge of key adult social care legislation, including the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, safeguarding frameworks, hospital discharge requirements and related guidance, with the ability to apply this confidently in practice.
- Experience of working with adults and carers who have a range of needs, including physical disabilities, mental health needs and learning disabilities.
- Proven ability to undertake assessments, apply eligibility criteria and develop person-centred support plans that promote independence, choice and wellbeing.
- Experience of managing risk and contributing to safeguarding processes, using professional judgement to make timely, defensible decisions.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with individuals, families, colleagues and partner agencies.
- Well-developed organisational and IT skills, including accurate case recording, workload prioritisation and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
If successful, this role requires a DBS and you will have to apply for an enhanced Disclosure.
What’s in it for you:
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We invest in your future too.
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years, plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year, giving you more control over your time.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: We care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme.
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services.
Our commitment to you:
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community.
How to apply:
You can apply online using the apply now button below. If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk.
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.
Qualified Social Worker – Learning Disability (Hybrid) in Gateshead employer: The Borough Council of Gateshead
Gateshead Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where your skills as a Qualified Social Worker can truly make a difference in the community. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, flexible working options, and a commitment to employee development, you will find ample opportunities for growth while contributing to the wellbeing of Gateshead residents. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values creativity and collaboration, ensuring that every day brings meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
The Borough Council of Gateshead Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Social Worker – Learning Disability (Hybrid) in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might have insights into the Learning Disability Team at Gateshead Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your strengths-based practice knowledge. Be ready to share examples of how you've applied this approach in your previous roles. It’s all about showing how you can make a real difference in people's lives!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for any upcoming events or workshops related to social work. Engaging in these can not only boost your skills but also expand your network, making it easier for us to land that dream job together!
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Social Worker – Learning Disability (Hybrid) in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Specific About Your Experience:When filling out your application, make sure to highlight your relevant experience in social work, especially with adults and learning disabilities. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those details!
Showcase Your Strengths-Based Approach:Since we focus on strengths-based practice, it’s important to demonstrate how you’ve applied this in your previous roles. Share examples of how you’ve supported individuals in achieving their goals and promoting their independence.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to tailor your application to the specific job description. Use keywords from the listing to show that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit into our vision for Gateshead.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Borough Council of Gateshead
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on key adult social care legislation, especially the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act. Being able to confidently discuss how these laws apply in practice will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to make a real impact in the role.
✨Showcase Your Strengths-Based Approach
Prepare examples of how you've used a strengths-based approach in your previous roles. Highlight specific cases where you helped individuals achieve independence and wellbeing, as this aligns perfectly with what the Learning Disability Team values.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Be ready to talk about your experience working collaboratively with colleagues and external partners. Share stories that illustrate your ability to build relationships and work effectively within a team, as this is crucial for success in the Learning Disability Team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and risk management skills. Think through potential situations you might face in the role and how you would handle them, ensuring you emphasise your professional judgement and person-centred approach.
