Social Worker
£36,581 - £46,579 per year
Are you a passionate, driven Social Worker looking to make a difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities? We are seeking a committed professional to join our Learning Disability Integrated East Team, where you will play a vital role in supporting individuals to live safe, independent, and fulfilling lives within the community. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team that places person centred practice, empowerment, and strengths-based approaches at the heart of everything we do.
Newly Qualified Social Workers (ASYE)
If you are a Newly Qualified Social Worker, you will complete your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) in your first year with us, with structured support, protected development time and access to mentoring to help you build confidence and progress in your role.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
About the Team and Service
You will be part of a supportive and dynamic Learning Disability Integrated East Team, working alongside health professionals, therapists, and partner agencies to deliver high-quality, person-centred support. The team is committed to promoting independence, choice, and inclusion for adults with learning disabilities, within a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing, reflective practice, and continuous professional development.
About the Role
As a Social Worker, you will support adults with learning disabilities and their carers through strengths-based practice, helping individuals to achieve positive outcomes, maximise independence, and maintain their wellbeing and safety.
In this role, you will:
We encourage you to contact Rachel Bell or Ashleigh Pow via email at Rachel.bell2@durham.gov.uk / Ashleigh.Pow2@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
To be successful in this role, you will bring the right combination of professional knowledge, practical experience, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred support.
Qualifications and Experience:
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.
If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING
Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Children’s Barred List and Adults Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity.
Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children, adults, or both.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held week commencing 9th November 2026.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
HOW TO APPLY
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.
Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application.
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentAHS@durham.gov.uk
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
CONNECT WITH US
Follow us on Instagram
Like us on Facebook
Visit our website
Newly Qualified Social Workers (ASYE)
If you are a Newly Qualified Social Worker, you will complete your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) in your first year with us, with structured support, protected development time and access to mentoring to help you build confidence and progress in your role.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
About the Team and Service
You will be part of a supportive and dynamic Learning Disability Integrated East Team, working alongside health professionals, therapists, and partner agencies to deliver high-quality, person-centred support. The team is committed to promoting independence, choice, and inclusion for adults with learning disabilities, within a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing, reflective practice, and continuous professional development.
About the Role
As a Social Worker, you will support adults with learning disabilities and their carers through strengths-based practice, helping individuals to achieve positive outcomes, maximise independence, and maintain their wellbeing and safety.
In this role, you will:
- Undertake strengths-based assessments, involving individuals and carers in identifying needs and desired outcomes.
- Develop, implement, and review personalised care and support plans that promote independence, choice, and positive risk-taking.
- Work collaboratively with partners and community resources to coordinate effective support and develop local opportunities.
- Lead on safeguarding enquiries and interventions, ensuring concerns are managed in line with legislation, policy, and best practice.
- Monitor and review support arrangements to ensure they remain effective, outcome-focused, and responsive to changing needs.
- Contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings, advocating for individuals and ensuring their views remain central to decision-making.
- Maintain accurate, timely records and reports in line with professional and organisational standards.
We encourage you to contact Rachel Bell or Ashleigh Pow via email at Rachel.bell2@durham.gov.uk / Ashleigh.Pow2@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
To be successful in this role, you will bring the right combination of professional knowledge, practical experience, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred support.
Qualifications and Experience:
- A recognised Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
- Experience of working with adults, ideally within learning disability services or a related field.
- A sound understanding of relevant legislation and frameworks, including the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and safeguarding responsibilities.
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.
If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING
Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Children’s Barred List and Adults Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity.
Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children, adults, or both.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held week commencing 9th November 2026.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
HOW TO APPLY
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.
Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application.
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentAHS@durham.gov.uk
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
CONNECT WITH US
Follow us on Instagram
Like us on Facebook
Visit our website
Attachments
Salary range
- £36,581 - £46,579 per year