Learning Disability & Autism Team

Learning Disability & Autism Team

Role: Qualified Social Worker (Adults)

Service Area: Learning Disabilities & Autism Team

Location: Darlington Borough Council

Pay Rate: £26.00 per hour

Contract: Full-Time, Ongoing Interim Contract

Are you a passionate Adult Social Worker committed to person-centred practice, promoting independence, and supporting individuals with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling lives? An excellent opportunity has opened for a Social Worker to join the Learning Disability Service at Darlington Borough Council. In this role, you will work collaboratively with service users, carers, and community partners to deliver high-quality, strengths-based assessments and outcome-focused support plans. Key Role Highlights

Person-Centred Practice: Put individuals and their families at the heart of assessment, outcome planning, and decision-making.

Positive Risk Management: Balance statutory eligibility needs with a positive, proactive approach to risk and independence.

Multi-Agency Collaboration: Partner with universal, targeted, and specialist services across Darlington to build strong community support networks.

Core Responsibilities

Statutory Assessments: Conduct high-standard assessments of need under the Care Act 2014 for individuals with a diagnosis of learning disabilities and their carers.

Outcome-Focused Support Planning: Help individuals identify eligible needs and explore universal, targeted, and specialist pathways to achieve their goals and maximize well-being.

Advocacy & Rights: Ensure service users and families have access to appropriate representation, including statutory advocacy, IMCA, and IMHA services where required.

Best Interest Assessments: Undertake Best Interest Assessments (BIAs) under DoLS frameworks if suitably qualified.

Case Recording & Court Representation: Maintain clear, accurate case notes, produce detailed professional reports, and give evidence in court proceedings when required.

Mandatory Candidate Requirements

Professional Status: Qualified Social Worker registered with

Social Work England.

Specialist Experience: Proven post-qualifying experience working with adults with Learning Disabilities, Autism, or Complex Needs within statutory Adult Social Care.

Legislation Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act (MCA), and Safeguarding Adults frameworks.

Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to build positive relationships with service users, families, and multidisciplinary agency partners.

How to Apply If you are a dedicated Social Worker ready to make a positive impact in Darlington, apply today to submit your application for immediate consideration! Randstad Care acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Randstad Care is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone. Did you know that Randstad Care have been awarded a place on the National Clinical Staffing Framework for the NHS? This means we will be able to bring you more opportunities within nursing & midwifery and clinical staffing.