About the Role
West Northamptonshire Council are seeking experienced and motivated Social Workers to join their dedicated Learning Disabilities Team in their West and South teams. This is an excellent opportunity to work within Adult Social Care, supporting adults with learning disabilities to achieve positive outcomes and live fulfilling, independent lives.
A successful candidate will manage complex caseloads, undertake strengths-based assessments, lead safeguarding enquiries, and work collaboratively with individuals, families, communities, and partner agencies to promote wellbeing, independence, and choice.
Location: One Angel Square, Northampton, NN1 1ED
Rate: £35 per hour (Umbrella rate)
Contract: Temporary
Hours: 37 hours per week
Office Requirements: Minimum of 2-3 days per week undertaking visits, or office-based working following completion of induction training.
Requirements: Social Work England Registration, Full UK Driving Licence
Key Responsibilities
- Apply and communicate detailed knowledge of Adult Social Care legislation, including:
- The Care Act 2014
- Mental Capacity Act (MCA)
- Mental Health Act (MHA)
- Human Rights legislation
- Undertake person-centred assessments and reviews, developing outcome-focused support plans using an asset-based approach.
- Manage and monitor a complex caseload, prioritising competing demands and responding effectively to crisis situations.
- Deliver high-quality social work interventions using professional knowledge, evidence-based practice, and a range of social work theories and models.
- Make threshold decisions regarding safeguarding concerns and lead safeguarding enquiries in line with local policies and procedures.
- Apply the principles of Making Safeguarding Personal, promoting positive risk-taking where appropriate.
- Work effectively with adults who have complex and challenging needs, adapting communication methods to ensure their voice is heard.
- Promote anti-discriminatory practice and uphold the principles of the Equality Act 2010.
- Build strong partnerships with individuals, carers, families, and advocates to support informed decision-making and positive outcomes.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive case records using the council's case management system.
- Prepare professional reports and represent the service in court proceedings where required.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with partner agencies including Health, Housing, Police, and the Voluntary Sector.
- Support and mentor less experienced colleagues, contributing to team development and service improvement.
- Explore community resources and creative support options to maximise independence and deliver cost-effective, person-centred solutions.
- Take responsibility for professional decision-making, providing clear rationale and evidence-based recommendations.
About You
- Hold a full current UK Driving Licence
- Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
- Experience working within Adult Social Care, preferably within a Learning Disabilities Team.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding Adults and relevant statutory legislation.
- Experience managing complex cases and undertaking risk assessments.
- Ability to produce high-quality assessments, support plans, and court reports.
- Excellent communication, partnership-working, and organisational skills.
- Commitment to strengths-based and person-centred practice.
- Experience mentoring or supporting less experienced social workers.
- Knowledge of local authority practice frameworks and multi-agency working environments.
This role offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities while working within a supportive and collaborative team environment. You will be empowered to use your professional expertise to promote independence, safeguard vulnerable adults, and help people achieve the outcomes that matter most to them.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. A DBS check may be applicable for this role, applicants are required to declare any cautions and convictions that are not protected under current filtering rules.
