Adults with Learning Disabilities Social Worker

Who You Are

The Progression and Next Steps Social Worker is a dedicated professional pivotal in supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism, and/or complex needs. You are committed to achieving positive outcomes at key life transition points through strengths-based practice. Your aim is to promote independence, facilitate timely and outcome-focused reviews, and ensure planning that fosters autonomy, wellbeing, and inclusion. Your work aligns with the service’s strategic goals of reducing long-term dependency, enhancing the quality of reviews, and enabling effective forward-looking planning that meets individuals’ aspirations and assessed needs.

What the Job Involves

The role involves conducting high-quality assessments and reviews, including annual, progression, and reassessments, in compliance with the Care Act 2014. You will identify changes in circumstances to adjust support packages accordingly and develop strengths-based plans aimed at independence and community engagement. Progression planning requires collaborating with individuals, families, and providers to overcome barriers to independence. The role also involves multi-disciplinary work, contributing to complex case discussions, maintaining high-quality documentation, and upholding safeguarding duties. Furthermore, you will support practice development within the team, engage in continuous professional development, and provide informal guidance to less experienced staff.

Skills

• Qualified Social Worker with active Social Work England registration
• Strong knowledge of Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and safeguarding procedures
• Experience with adults having learning disabilities, autism, or complex needs
• Proficiency in analytical assessments and evidence-based decision-making
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage varied caseloads
• Negotiation skills with service providers
• Experience with transitional support in education, hospital discharge, and moving-on pathways
• Understanding of progression-focused models and strengths-based frameworks
• Experience in service improvement and quality assurance activities