Advanced Practitioner Social Worker Jobs at Somerset Council, Bridgwater, UK

Somerset Council is offering an exciting career opportunity for an experienced Adult Social Worker looking to progress into an advanced practice and leadership role. Based in Bridgwater, Somerset, this permanent, full-time position is ideal for a qualified professional who wants to support colleagues, strengthen social work practice and improve outcomes for adults and families across local communities.

As an Advanced Practitioner Social Worker, you will provide professional guidance, support complex casework, promote effective safeguarding and help practitioners deliver high-quality, strengths-based adult social care. The role combines hands-on practice with leadership, supervision, mentoring and service improvement responsibilities.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Advanced Practitioner Social Worker
• Employer: Somerset Council
• Location: Bridgwater, Somerset, United Kingdom
• Postcode: TA6 3AR
• Salary: £43,149 to £47,665 per annum
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Working Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
• Working Arrangements: Hybrid working, with at least two days per week office-based
• Closing Date: 17 November 2026
• Job Reference: 953/FG
• Recruitment Contact: Helen Readdy

About the Advanced Practitioner Social Worker Role

Somerset Council's Neighbourhoods Service works with adults, carers, healthcare professionals and community organisations to help people remain safe, independent and connected to their local communities.

In this advanced practice role, you will provide professional leadership within the Neighbourhood team while remaining closely involved in frontline social work. You will support colleagues dealing with complex cases, help improve assessments and safeguarding decisions, and promote consistent, high-quality practice across the service.

Working alongside the Service Manager, you will contribute to team performance, workforce development and service improvement. You will also help create a positive working environment where practitioners can develop their skills, reflect on their decisions and deliver better outcomes for residents and their families.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional leadership and advanced social work expertise across the Neighbourhood team.
• Support Social Workers and Adult Social Care Practitioners with complex casework, assessments, joint visits and professional decision-making.
• Promote strengths-based social work that recognises people's abilities, relationships and community resources.
• Support adults to maintain their independence, wellbeing, dignity and control over decisions affecting their lives.
• Champion effective safeguarding practice and help colleagues identify, assess and manage risks appropriately.
• Provide guidance on Mental Capacity Act matters and Court of Protection activity where required.
• Deliver high-quality reflective supervision to Social Workers and Adult Social Care Practitioners.
• Coach, mentor and guide colleagues to strengthen professional confidence, knowledge and decision-making.
• Provide constructive professional challenge and help resolve complex practice issues.
• Support quality assurance, case reviews and continuous improvement across the service.
• Work collaboratively with health services, neighbourhood partners and voluntary sector organisations.
• Help coordinate services to ensure adults receive appropriate and joined-up support.
• Assist the Service Manager with operational delivery, performance monitoring, workforce development and team improvement initiatives.
• Promote equality, human rights, professional accountability and reflective practice.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have substantial experience in adult social care and the professional skills needed to guide practitioners through complex cases and challenging decisions.

• A recognised Social Work qualification.
• Current registration with Social Work England.
• Significant post-qualifying experience in Adult Social Care.
• Experience supporting, mentoring or supervising practitioners dealing with complex casework.
• Strong knowledge of adult social care legislation, safeguarding procedures and professional responsibilities.
• Understanding of the Care Act 2014 and its implications for adult social care assessments and support planning.
• Knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its application to decision-making and capacity assessments.
• Understanding of human rights-based practice and the importance of protecting adults at risk.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to assess risks and make sound professional decisions.
• The ability to provide constructive challenge, professional guidance and effective leadership.
• Strong communication and partnership-working skills.
• Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external organisations.
• A commitment to reflective supervision, continuous professional development and improving service quality.

Understanding Adult Social Care Responsibilities

Advanced Practitioners need a strong understanding of the legal framework governing adult social care in England. This includes assessing individual needs, promoting wellbeing, supporting eligible adults and helping colleagues make appropriate decisions about care and support.

Applicants can review the official ✓ GOV.UK Care and Support Statutory Guidance to learn more about the framework underpinning adult social care, assessments, wellbeing and support planning.

Leadership, Supervision and Professional Development

This position offers an opportunity to develop advanced practice and leadership skills while remaining connected to frontline social work. You will help colleagues reflect on their work, improve their assessments and strengthen their ability to manage complex situations.

Reflective supervision is an important part of the role. It enables practitioners to consider risks, explore different approaches, review professional decisions and identify opportunities to improve outcomes for adults and carers.

The successful candidate will also contribute to team learning, quality assurance and service development, helping establish a culture of professional curiosity, accountability and continuous improvement.

Salary and Employee Benefits

Somerset Council offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits to support employees' wellbeing, career development and work-life balance.

• Annual Salary: Starting at £43,149, with annual progression currently reaching £47,665 per year.
• Annual Leave: 30 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Pension Scheme: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Hybrid Working: Flexible working arrangements, subject to service requirements, with a minimum of two office-based days per week.
• Leadership Development: Opportunities to develop advanced practice and professional leadership skills.
• Learning and Development: Dedicated support for continuing professional development and training.
• Health and Wellbeing: Access to confidential employee assistance services and wellbeing support.
• Volunteering Opportunities: Paid volunteering opportunities to contribute to local communities.

Working Arrangements and Travel Requirements

The position is based in Bridgwater and operates on a hybrid working basis. Employees must work from the office for at least two days per week, with the remaining working arrangements organised flexibly according to service requirements.

The role also involves travelling across the geographical area covered by the Neighbourhoods Service. Applicants must have full access to a vehicle that can be used for work purposes.

Somerset Council welcomes applications from disabled candidates and is happy to discuss reasonable adjustments from the first point of contact.

Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship

Somerset Council may consider Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for suitably qualified Social Workers who are already residing in the United Kingdom. Any sponsorship decision will be assessed as part of the recruitment process and is not guaranteed.

Applicants should review the official ✓ GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa guidance to understand the general eligibility requirements and the conditions associated with this immigration route.

Important: The employer has indicated that sponsorship may be considered for eligible Social Workers who are already living in the UK. Applicants should confirm their individual eligibility and professional registration status before applying. Meeting the job requirements does not guarantee sponsorship.

How to Apply for This Advanced Practitioner Job

Interested candidates should review the vacancy requirements and apply through Somerset Council's recruitment process. Applications should clearly demonstrate relevant adult social care experience, professional registration, leadership abilities and experience supporting colleagues with complex cases.

• Position: Advanced Practitioner Social Worker
• Employer: Somerset Council
• Location: Bridgwater, Somerset, UK
• Salary: £43,149–£47,665 per annum
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Closing Date: 17 November 2026
• Job Reference: 953/FG

For further information about the organisation, employee benefits and working opportunities, visit the official Somerset Council careers information page.

For an informal discussion about the position, applicants can contact Helen Readdy, Recruitment and Engagement Lead, by email at helen.readdy@somerset.gov.uk.

Current Somerset Council employees should apply through the internal SuccessFactors careers page.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and ensure that they meet the professional registration, experience and travel requirements.

Equal Opportunities

Somerset Council is committed to creating an inclusive working environment where people feel valued and respected. Applications are welcomed from candidates with different backgrounds and experiences who can contribute to better services and positive outcomes for adults and communities across Somerset.

Is This Advanced Practitioner Social Worker Job Right for You?

This vacancy may suit an experienced Adult Social Worker who is ready to take the next step in their career and contribute to professional leadership, staff development and improved social work practice.

With a permanent contract, a salary of up to £47,665 per year under the advertised progression scale, 30 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, pension benefits and leadership development opportunities, the position offers a potential long-term career path within Somerset Council.

Before applying, ensure that you hold a recognised Social Work qualification, have current Social Work England registration and possess the adult social care experience required for an advanced practice role.

Application Deadline: 17 November 2026.