Job Description
Social Worker - Learning Disability Team
Hybrid - 40% of time spent working withing 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.
Where professional social work meets genuine community impact.
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’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.
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 Practitioner and Team Manager 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-enable 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 don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), 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: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, 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 in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
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 know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
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. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.