Social Worker – Neighbourhoods Team (Mendip) (Adults)
Somerset Council – Social Worker Job Opportunity
Job Details
Employer: Somerset Council
Job Title: Social Worker – Neighbourhoods Team (Mendip) (Adults)
Location: Shepton Mallet, Somerset, UK – BA4 5BT
Department: Adult Social Care
Employment: Full-time or Part-time
Hours: 37 hours full-time / 28 hours part-time
Salary: £37,280 – £41,777 currently (pending pay award)
Annual Leave: 30 days
Positions Available: 2
Closing Date: 8 September 2026
Visa Sponsorship: Potential Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for suitably qualified overseas Social Workers already living in the UK
About the Opportunity
Somerset Council is recruiting Social Workers to join its Neighbourhoods Team in Mendip, supporting adults to maintain their independence, wellbeing, dignity and quality of life within their homes and communities.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Social Worker looking for their next career step within a supportive and forward-thinking Adult Social Care service.
The role uses a strengths-based and preventative approach, working with adults, carers, families, health professionals, voluntary organisations and community partners to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes.
Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship
Somerset Council states that it may consider offering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship to suitably qualified overseas Social Workers who are already residing in the UK.
Applicants seeking sponsorship must:
- Hold a recognised Social Work qualification.
- Be registered with Social Work England.
- Meet the requirements of the role and recruitment process.
- Currently be living in the UK.
- Meet applicable immigration requirements.
Important: Sponsorship is not guaranteed and will be assessed as part of the recruitment process. Somerset Council also states that it cannot provide resettlement support.
Role Purpose
As a Social Worker within the Neighbourhoods Team, you will work with adults, carers, families, communities and partner organisations to promote independence, wellbeing and positive outcomes.
You will use strengths-based practice to understand what matters to each individual and identify ways to help them remain safely and independently within their own home and community wherever possible.
You will also contribute to preventative work designed to prevent, reduce or delay the need for ongoing formal support.
Key Responsibilities
- Complete strengths-based assessments focused on individual needs, strengths and desired outcomes.
- Support adults and carers to identify practical solutions and community resources.
- Assess risk and need while promoting choice and control.
- Manage a varied caseload effectively.
- Develop and review support plans.
- Respond to referrals and changing circumstances.
- Support safeguarding and protection from harm.
- Work with health professionals and multidisciplinary teams.
- Collaborate with voluntary organisations and community groups.
- Help prevent avoidable hospital admissions.
- Support safe and sustainable hospital discharges.
- Maintain accurate records and prepare high-quality reports.
- Build strong relationships with adults, carers, families and partner agencies.
- Champion equality, diversity, inclusion and person-centred practice.
Essential Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- A recognised Social Work qualification.
- Degree in Social Work, Master’s degree in Social Work or equivalent.
- Registration with Social Work England.
- Knowledge of adult social care practice.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and safeguarding.
- Strong assessment and communication skills.
- Experience working with partner agencies.
- Access to a vehicle for work purposes.
Essential Skills and Experience
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Strong assessment abilities.
- Knowledge of strengths-based practice.
- Ability to assess risk and need.
- Ability to manage a varied caseload.
- Ability to prioritise competing demands.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills.
- Professional resilience and curiosity.
- Empathy and sensitivity.
- Self-awareness and acceptance of others.
- Creative problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to continuous learning.
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
Desirable Experience
The following would be advantageous:
- Multidisciplinary Social Care experience.
- Partnership working with Social Care, Health, voluntary organisations or Education.
- Experience working with relevant adult client groups, including Learning Disabilities.
- Previous experience working with health professionals.
- Supervisory experience.
- Knowledge of social care resources outside statutory services.
- Awareness of government guidance and legislative changes.
Vehicle Requirement
Access to and use of a vehicle is an essential requirement.
The service operates across Somerset, a largely rural county where public transport can be limited.
Applicants must therefore have full access to a vehicle that can be used for work purposes.
Reasonable adjustments can be discussed with disabled applicants who may require support in meeting this requirement.
About the Neighbourhoods Team
The Neighbourhoods Team forms an important part of Somerset’s Adult Social Care service.
The team works within local communities to help people:
- Stay well.
- Stay safe.
- Maintain independence.
- Build connections.
- Remain in control of their lives.
- Access community resources.
- Avoid unnecessary formal support where possible.
The service follows a strengths-based, preventative approach, focusing on people’s abilities, relationships, networks and community assets.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This position offers Social Workers the opportunity to:
- Join a supportive Adult Social Care team.
- Work within a strengths-based environment.
- Support adults to remain independent.
- Make a meaningful difference within local communities.
- Develop professional Social Work practice.
- Work closely with health and community partners.
- Manage a varied and rewarding caseload.
- Receive 30 days of annual leave.
- Choose between full-time and part-time working options.
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is particularly relevant to:
- Qualified Social Workers.
- Social Workers registered with Social Work England.
- Experienced Adult Social Workers.
- Social Workers with strengths-based practice experience.
- Social Workers with multidisciplinary working experience.
- UK-based overseas Social Workers who may require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
- Candidates with adult social care, safeguarding and assessment experience.
For sponsorship applicants: You must already be residing in the UK and hold the required Social Work qualification and Social Work England registration.
Working Hours
Full-time: 37 hours per week
Part-time: 28 hours per week
Applicants interested in the part-time position should highlight their preference when applying.
Application Deadline
Closing date: 8 September 2026
Somerset Council reserves the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.
Informal Enquiries
Helen Readdy
Recruitment and Engagement Officer – Adults
Somerset Council
Email: helen.readdy@somerset.gov.uk
How to Apply
Interested candidates should review the full vacancy details and submit an application through the official Somerset Council careers website.
Official Vacancy:
https://careers.somerset.gov.uk/job/Shepton-Mallet-Social-Worker-Neighbourhoods-Team-%28Mendip%29-%28Adults%29-BA4-5BT/1363556555/
Full Job Description:
https://somersetcc.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HRODRECR/IQDaIZ8rgkEkRp0247DjVnAeAV3XP2_17g24-PCRzZHK9bU?e=VpnbfQ
Important Information
- Closing date: 8 September 2026
- Two positions available.
- Full-time and part-time options available.
- Vehicle access is essential.
- Social Work England registration required.
- Recognised Social Work qualification required.
- Skilled Worker sponsorship may be considered for suitably qualified overseas Social Workers already living in the UK.
- Sponsorship is subject to eligibility and recruitment assessment.
- Resettlement support is not available.
- Internal candidates should apply through the internal careers site.