Adult Social Care Practitioner – Intermediate Care (Adults)

Transform lives, champion rights & support adults to achieve their full potential.

• Location: Taunton
• Part time, 27.5 hours per week
• Salary: £21,255 rising to £23,829 annually
• Hybrid working opportunities
• Opportunity of joining the path to becoming a fully qualified Social Worker
• 28 days annual leave entitlement – this will be pro-rata for part time hours
• Must have access to/use of a vehicle
• At Somerset Council, we are proud to support our frontline workers with access to innovative AI technology. Our greatest asset is our dedicated workforce, and we need to ensure we evolve with technology and new ways to invest in them. We’re currently utilising Magic Notes, which has proven to help social workers reduce the amount of time spent on administrative work, allowing them to focus on using their skillset and creativity to support our shared vision of improving the life chances and outcomes for adults in Somerset.

Regretfully we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. As such, we are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship. 

We are a social work team based within Intermediate Care, dedicated to supporting Somerset residents as they transition back to their daily routines following a hospital admission. Our support extends to individuals discharged from acute or community hospitals, as well as those who have completed reablement periods within their own homes. Consistent with our practice ethos, we prioritise enabling people to return to their homes whenever possible.

Key Responsibilities:

• Preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and ensuring patient safety.
• Developing person-centred discharge plans using a strengths-based approach.
• Collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Advocating for patients to ensure their perspectives are recognised and represented.
• Supporting unpaid carers through advocacy and resources.
• Promoting independence by empowering individuals to build confidence and access appropriate support for their unique needs.
• Identifying individual and family concerns, clarifying goals, assessing existing supports, and determining additional requirements.
• Building comprehensive knowledge of local resources and maintaining partnerships with agencies and village agents.
• Generating innovative solutions and employing creative, out-of-the-box thinking.
• Making evidence-based decisions within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Contributing to the development and enhancement of our Adult Social Care service.

• Desirable to hold or be working towards an NVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent (equivalent must be health and social care related).
• Have experience of working in a caring or supportive role.
• Are not afraid to do things differently to create support that is better for people.
• Are passionate about advocating for others.
• Are innovative, creative and solution focused in supporting people to be independent.

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• This grade offers 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and the option to request to buy up to 2 weeks additional annual leave pro rata
• Hybrid working options where the role allows
• A clear career pathway with apprenticeships, professional, leadership and academic programmes and qualifications, regular CPD opportunities and a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme
• A new comprehensive induction programme supported by Practice Development Advanced Practitioners, plus a confidential and impartial welcome call to ensure your induction goes smoothly
• Ongoing support & development opportunities – regular CPD events arranged and delivered by our dedicated Adult Social Care Learning and Development team, including an annual Carnival of Practice event with key speakers such as the Chief Social Worker, a team of Advanced Practitioner – Practice Development roles to support our workforce, personalised personal development plans, a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme.
• Local Government pension scheme
• Employee support networks that acknowledge and celebrate the richness of diversity and equality within our workforce
• Guaranteed Interview Schemes – Disability Confident, Veterans, Care Leavers
• Employee assistance and support offering a variety of wellbeing services and events to support a healthy work/life balance inc. a free online gym offer, dedicated Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors and much more!
• Access to the Blue Light Card which offers thousands of discounts online and on the high street
• My Staff Shop which offers a variety of discounts including; cinemas, shopping, restaurants, gym discounts and more!
• Discounted lease car optional

Due to the nature of the role and the geographical area of the service across Somerset, which is a largely rural county, with limitations around public transport the ability to be able to travel to any location is essential. Therefore, applicants must have full access to a vehicle that can be used for work purposes.

We recognise and welcome applications from disabled individuals who may require reasonable adjustments to meet this requirement, and we’re happy to discuss this from the first point of contact with the recruitment team.

This is a Grade 12 post with a current salary of £21,255 rising to £23,829 per annum for 27.5 hours per week. The starting salary would normally be at the minimum point of the grade.

Got a question about becoming an Adult Social Care Practitioner with Somerset Council? Please contact Casey Trussler - Service Manager – Intermediate Care – casey.trussler@somerset.gov.uk

We are a socially active council and run many webinars and events, team away days, volunteering opportunities plus, hold regular staff Q&A sessions. We encourage professional development and training to support your learning and aspirations. And there are also a variety of networking groups and activities that you can join.

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve so we will always welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our teams. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early if we have received a sufficient number of applications, so don't delay, apply today!

We are reclaiming narratives about social work and believe in the power of lived experiences of people (including workers) and sharing stories. To get a sense of this, listen to the Social Work Sessions podcast.

Somerset is situated in a beautiful, rural county in a central southwest location but with good city links. With scenic countryside, historic sites, charming towns and villages, family-friendly attractions, beaches, festivals (Glastonbury!) and events, outdoor activities, zoos, water parks and plenty of local produce to try, there’s something for everyone!

This post requires a criminal background check via the Disclosure procedure.