Learning Disabilities, Social Worker

Job summary

This role sits within Adult Social Care's 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 Slough's 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

Responsible for:

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 person-centred.

A learning disability social worker focuses on:

Long-term, lifelong support Building independence rather than crisis intervention Understanding communication needs Working with families over many years Ensuring the person's voice is central, even when they communicate non-verbally

It is a role that blends legal responsibility, advocacy, relationship-building, and practical support.

Main purpose of job:

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.

Main accountabilities:

Assessment and care planning

Complete Care Act 2014 assessments using a strengths-based, outcomes-focused approach.

Develop personalised support plans that promote independence, wellbeing, and community participation.

Carry out reviews to ensure support remains appropriate and cost-effective.

Work in line with Slough's promoting independence and preventative practice principles.

Safeguarding and risk management

Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns in line with Slough's Adult Safeguarding Procedures.

Undertake Section 42 enquiries, coordinating multi-agency responses.

Complete proportionate risk assessments and implement risk-management plans.

Promote Making Safeguarding Personal across all interventions.

Mental capacity and legal responsibilities

Complete Mental Capacity Act assessments and best-interest decisions.

Contribute to DoLS processes and Court of Protection work when required.

Ensure all practice is compliant with the Care Act, MCA, Human Rights Act, and local policies.

Direct work with adults

Build meaningful, empowering relationships with adults with learning disabilities.

Use accessible communication methods and support individuals to express their wishes and preferences.

Promote independence, self-advocacy, and access to community opportunities in Slough.

Multi-disciplinary and partnership working

Work closely with Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, learning disability nurses, OTs, psychologists, behaviour specialists, housing teams, supported living providers, and local voluntary and community organisations.

Participate in multi-disciplinary meetings, joint assessments, and integrated care planning.

Support Slough's commitment to joined-up, community-based support.

Support for families and carers

Complete carers' assessments and ensure carers receive appropriate support.

Provide advice, guidance, and signposting to local services such as Slough Carers Support.

Work sensitively with families during transitions, crises, or safeguarding concerns.

Case management and professional practice

Manage a varied caseload with appropriate prioritisation.

Maintain accurate, timely case records on Slough's electronic systems.

Prepare high-quality reports, assessments, and professional documentation.

Participate in supervision, reflective practice, and continuous professional development.

Uphold Social Work England professional standards.

Essential knowledge, skills and experience

Social Work England registration.

Experience working with adults with learning disabilities.

Strong understanding of learning disabilities and autism, Positive Behaviour Support, safeguarding adults, the Mental Capacity Act, and strengths-based practice.

Ability to travel across Slough for community visits

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.