Learning Disabilities, Social Worker.

Job summary

This role sits within Adult Social Cares Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities and is responsible for delivering high-quality, person-centred social work support to adults with lifelong learning disabilities, their families and carers. The post holder will promote independence, choice and wellbeing through strengths-based assessment, care planning, safeguarding, Mental Capacity Act work and effective multi-agency collaboration.

Working across Sloughs diverse communities, the Social Worker will support adults to have their voices heard, access the right services, remain safe and participate as fully as possible in community life. The role requires confident professional judgement, sound knowledge of relevant legislation, strong communication skills and a commitment to rights-based, inclusive and anti-discriminatory practice.

Main duties of the job

A learning disability social worker is responsible for supporting adults who have a lifelong learning disability to live safely, independently, and with dignity. Their role is broad, legally grounded, and highly personcentred.

A learning disability social worker focuses on

Longterm, lifelong support

Building independence rather than crisis intervention

Understanding communication needs

Working with families over many years

Ensuring the persons voice is central, even when they communicate nonverbally

Its a role that blends legal responsibility, advocacy,relationship building, and practical support

About us

As part of Slough Borough Council, you will join an organisation focused on improving outcomes for residents, communities and the local environment.

Our Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities works collaboratively with residents, carers, families, colleagues and partner organisations to provide high-quality, person-centred support. The team is committed to strengths-based practice, professional curiosity and making a positive difference in peoples lives.

You will be part of a friendly, supportive and inclusive working environment where colleagues share knowledge, work together and take pride in delivering services that matter. We value a strong work ethic built on compassion, accountability, innovation and respect. Staff are encouraged to contribute ideas, learn from one another and play an active role in helping the Council move forward together.

Working with us offers the opportunity to develop your career while being supported to balance work and personal commitments. Alongside a competitive salary, employees benefit from flexible and hybrid working arrangements, annual leave entitlement, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, wellbeing initiatives, employee networks and opportunities to contribute to meaningful change for the people of Slough.

Job responsibilities

• Supporting people to develop skills, make choices, and live as independently as possible.
• Ensuring the person's legal rights are upheld under the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and Equality Act.
• Preventing abuse or neglect and responding effectively when concerns arise.
• Understanding what support a person requires to live safely and meaningfully.
• Bringing together health, social care, housing, and community services to meet the person's needs.
• Ensuring the person is at the centre of all decisions, using accessible communication and advocacy.

Person specification

Skills and abilities

Essential

• Effective interpersonal skills in order to communicate effectively with service users, colleagues and partner agencies
• Ability to plan, prioritise and work effectively
• An ability to be sensitive to the needs of Sloughs ethnically and culturally diverse community
• Ability to work within a changing environment providing services to vulnerable clients
• An ability to develop effective relationships with other staff, partner agencies and the public
• Ability to carry out personalised assessments including risk assessments, Mental Capacity and Best Interests Assessments
• To keep high standards of personal and professional conduct and professional appearance
• Ability to coach, mentor and supervise other staff on complex cases

Desirable

• N/A

Knowledge and understanding

Essential

• Working knowledge of the relevant legislation and theories underpinning the provision of services to the relevant client group.
• Good working knowledge of directorate and corporate policies, procedures and practice including safeguarding procedures
• Good understanding of joint working with partner agencies
• Working knowledge of financial procedures appropriate to the job
• Working knowledge of financial procedures appropriate to the job
• Awareness of data protection and confidentiality issues
• Awareness of legislation relating to equal opportunities and a commitment to equality and diversity.

Desirable

• N/A

Qualifications

Essential

• Relevant degree, related to profession, e.g.
• Social Work post graduate/Masters,
• Current registration with Health & Care
• Professions Council (HCPC)
• Full UK Driving Licence and access to daily use of a car
• Post Qualification Attainment- ASYE

Desirable

• Full UK Driving Licence and access to daily use of a car

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with a range of partners in an appropriate Health or Social Care Setting
• Experience of balancing complex workloads, setting priorities and making decisions.
• Learning disability practice knowledge. Understanding the nature of learning disabilities, co occurring conditions, communication needs, and the social model of disability.
• Human rights & equality frameworks. Strong grasp of rights based practice, discrimination, and the history of institutional abuse affecting people with learning disabilities.
• Legislation & policy. Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, safeguarding duties, advocacy entitlements, and community based support principles.
• Strengths based and co production approaches. Ability to recognise and build on individuals strengths, involving people and families in all decisions.

Desirable

• N/A