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.

Details

• Date posted: 08 October 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £41,873 to £47,238 a year inclusive of £1,096 LWA
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: AA1615638SloLDSW
• Job locations: Observatory House, 25 Windsor Rd,, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 2EL, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

• Directorate: Adults Services
• Pay Level: 7, £41,873 to £47238 (fully inclusive of local weighting allowance)
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Working Hours: 37 hours per week
• Location: Observatory House/ Slough Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week in the office)
• DBS requirement: Enhanced

The closing date for applications is midnight on 31st July 2026

Interviews will be held week commencing 10th August 2026

What you’ll be doing:

Make a lasting difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities.

We are looking for a passionate, skilled and values-driven Social Worker to join our Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to use your professional expertise to help people live safely, independently and with dignity while ensuring their voice, rights and aspirations are at the centre of every decision.

In this rewarding role, you will build meaningful relationships with adults, families, carers and partner agencies, supporting people to develop independence, access their communities and achieve positive outcomes. You will be part of a committed service that champions strengths-based practice, early intervention, safeguarding, equality and joined-up working across health and social care.

You will be a registered Social Worker with experience of working with adults with learning disabilities and a strong understanding of safeguarding, the Mental Capacity Act, strengths-based practice, equality and anti-discriminatory practice. You will be confident managing a varied caseload, writing high-quality assessments and reports, and working collaboratively with colleagues and partners to deliver the best outcomes for residents.

Most importantly, you will bring compassion, curiosity, sound professional judgement and a genuine commitment to ensuring adults with learning disabilities are heard, respected and supported to lead fulfilling lives.

If you are looking for a role where your practice can create real, long-term impact, we would love to hear from you. Join Slough Borough Council and help shape support that is inclusive, empowering and centred on what matters most to people.

Our Council:

Our vision is to make a difference to our communities and our environment, and we would love you to join us in our mission! All of our employees, whatever their job, contribute to delivering services to local people - either directly or by supporting colleagues. We celebrate diversity and are continuously striving for our residents to enjoy fulfilling, prosperous, and healthy lives.

What we offer:

We offer a supportive place to grow and develop your career with a real opportunity for your input to be valued and heard. Ambition and innovation will be required now more than ever, and you will join a friendly and collaborative environment where you are encouraged to thrive.

We understand that everyone has different needs and circumstances. That's why we're committed to offering flexible and hybrid working arrangements that help you achieve the best work-life balance and accommodate different working patterns. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We select staff on merit and foster a workforce where people are valued and represent the local communities we serve.

Annual increments, where applicable, are usually payable on 1st April each year, subject to six months service in the post, until the maximum spinal column point of the level has been reached. The payment of annual increments is not automatic and is subject to satisfactory performance as assessed by your director.

Alongside a competitive salary, we provide:

• 26 days annual leave (not including Bank holidays), rising to 30 days between 2 - 5 years' service and 33 days after 5 years' service.
• The Local Government Pension Scheme
• Ability to engage with wellbeing initiatives and the opportunity to be a member of our various employee networks, which are key to ensuring we celebrate and promote equality.
• Tax-free childcare and childcare services
• Season loan ticket - to help with the cost of your rail / bus journey to and from work.

Accessibility and Support:

Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer. We are keen to support you to feel comfortable throughout the application and interview process. Therefore, if you require any support throughout the application process or reasonable adjustments for the interview (e.g. questions being printed on the day or consideration for layout or lighting for the interview room), please contact our Recruitment Team, who will be able to assist: Recruitment@slough.gov.uk.

This information will be treated confidentially and used solely to ensure we provide appropriate support throughout the recruitment process and beyond.

Slough Borough Council offers a variety of staff networks for you to be part of. Networks represent our diverse staff groups and come together to help the organisation be a place where our people can feel included and thrive.

Follow the link HERE to learn more.

Right to Work and Checks:

All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK. Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If appointed, all posts will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.

How we recruit at Slough Borough Council

Our 8 Core Skills

At Slough Borough Council, we're moving Forward Together. We believe in our people, our purpose, and our progress. We've created a unified set of core skills to help you understand what we value and will form part of your interview with us.

Click here to find out more - How we recruit | Slough Borough Council

How to Apply:

Please click on the Apply button below to submit your application.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Join our team at Slough Borough Council and help accelerate our journey of transformation and growth!

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early should we receive a number of suitable applications.

Join Slough Borough Council – Move Forward Together!

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).