Somerset Council is recruiting a Social Worker – Learning Disabilities to join its Adult Social Care team in Yeovil, Somerset.
This is a full-time opportunity for a qualified social worker to support adults with learning disabilities and their carers, helping people live independently, safely and with greater choice and control over their lives.
Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be considered for suitably qualified overseas social workers who are already living in the UK. Applicants must hold a recognised social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. Somerset Council states that sponsorship is assessed during recruitment and that resettlement support is not available.
Job Details
- Job Title: Social Worker – Learning Disabilities (Yeovil) (Adults)
- Employer: Somerset Council
- Location: Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 2HT
- Salary: £38,510 to £43,149 per year
- Pay: Salary progression annually, pending the 2026/27 pay award
- Hours: 37 hours per week
- Contract: Full time
- Annual Leave: 30 days
- Closing Date: 16 October 2026
- Job Reference: 1060/FG
About the Role
As a Social Worker within Somerset Council’s Learning Disabilities team, you will work with adults with learning disabilities, their families and carers to promote independence, wellbeing and inclusion.
You will undertake assessments, manage risk and develop personalised care and support plans in accordance with the Care Act 2014. The role involves building positive relationships with individuals and families while helping people remain connected to their communities and achieve meaningful outcomes.
This position may suit an experienced practitioner looking for their next career step within adult social care.
Key Responsibilities
- Complete strengths-based assessments of need and risk for adults with learning disabilities and their carers.
- Manage a varied caseload and ensure care and support plans are appropriate, proportionate and regularly reviewed.
- Work directly with individuals and families to support informed decisions about care and support.
- Develop effective relationships with health, housing, voluntary-sector and other partner organisations.
- Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and help protect individuals from harm.
- Support people experiencing crisis situations using relevant legislation, services and resources.
- Participate in multi-agency working to deliver coordinated, person-centred support.
- Maintain accurate, clear and timely records in accordance with legislation and council policies.
- Assess and support carers, recognising their needs and contribution to the person’s care and support.
Requirements / Person Specification
Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to person-centred and strengths-based social work practice.
Essential requirements include:
- A recognised Social Work qualification, such as a Social Work degree, master’s degree or equivalent.
- Current registration with Social Work England.
- Knowledge and understanding of social care practice, relevant legislation and Social Work England requirements.
- Experience or a strong interest in working with adults with learning disabilities.
- Relevant experience within multidisciplinary social care teams.
- Experience of partnership working with other agencies, including health, social care and voluntary organisations.
- Ability to assess and manage risk and make sound professional decisions.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work with people with different communication needs.
- Ability to prioritise workloads, manage competing deadlines and organise time effectively.
- Empathy, sensitivity, self-awareness and respect for others.
- Resilience and the ability to respond positively to difficult situations.
- Willingness to embrace organisational change.
- Fluent English in accordance with the relevant immigration requirements.
- Access to and use of a vehicle is essential.
Desirable experience includes understanding social care resources outside statutory services, awareness of changes in government guidance and legislation, supervisory experience and previous experience working with health professionals.
Salary & Benefits
The role offers a starting salary of £38,510, rising annually to £43,149, subject to the 2026/27 pay award.
Employees are also entitled to 30 days of annual leave.
The role provides an opportunity to develop professional practice within an experienced Learning Disabilities service that values reflection, learning and development.
Working Pattern
This is a full-time position of 37 hours per week based in Yeovil.
Because the service covers a largely rural area of Somerset and public transport can be limited, the successful applicant must have full access to a vehicle that can be used for work purposes.
Visa Sponsorship / Right to Work
Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be considered for suitably qualified overseas social workers who are already residing in the UK.
To be considered:
- You must already be living in the UK.
- You must hold a recognised social work qualification.
- You must be registered with Social Work England.
- Sponsorship will be assessed as part of the recruitment process.
- Somerset Council cannot provide resettlement support.
This means the sponsorship provision described in the advert is not available to applicants who require relocation/resettlement from overseas.
About the Team
You will join a busy and experienced Learning Disabilities team working alongside Social Workers, Adult Social Care Practitioners and partner agencies.
The service aims to help people with learning disabilities:
- Live as independently as possible.
- Remain connected to their communities.
- Have choice and control over their lives.
- Achieve positive and meaningful outcomes.
The role involves close collaboration with health professionals and local services in a multidisciplinary environment.
Application / Selection Process
Interested candidates should apply through the Somerset Council careers recruitment process before the closing date.
The council may close the vacancy early if it receives enough applications, so applicants are advised to apply as soon as possible.
For an informal discussion about the role, contact:
Helen Readdy
Recruitment & Engagement Officer, Adults
Email: helen.readdy@somerset.gov.uk
The full job description is available from Somerset Council’s recruitment advert.
Closing date: 16 October 2026
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