As a Directorate, we recognise that support workers make a real and material difference to people’s lives every day. We want to develop our services and strengthen our approach to social work practice in Cardiff.
The Neurodiversity Team is a newly established and continuously developing service and is part of Adult Social Services. We work with adults who have a neurodivergent diagnosis including Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Tourette’s Syndrome who have care and support needs.
The support worker posts will be undertaking direct work with adults who are neurodiverse and have assessed care and support needs. The roles will include accompanying individuals to community activities in their locality, accompanying individuals to appointments, supporting individuals to develop daily living skills in their own homes and communities amongst other duties. The team is an important part of ensuring Adult Social Services meets its statutory responsibilities under the Code of Practice on the delivery of autism services (2021).
The service consists of two full-time and one part-time social workers, and a Social Work Assistant. The support workers will also be working alongside the Transitions Social Worker for Young People based in the Homelessness Multi-Disciplinary Team and the Transitions Social Work Assistant working with Looked After Children making the transition into Adult Social Services.
The Team is managed by the Team Manager with responsibility for substance misuse (CADT), homelessness and transitions for Looked After Children in Adult Social Services. The team are committed to Strengths-Based social work practice, and you will be offered the opportunity to develop these skills. The Team is committed to fostering a culture where employees are valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
What we will offer you:
1. A service that values all workers and supports their practice.
2. An established approach to strength-based social work with mentor groups to encourage professional discussion and learning in protected sessions.
3. An opportunity to train as part of the delivery of strength-based practice.
4. Regular and quality supervision to support and sustain work.
5. A proactive approach to quality assurance within the service, actively seeking to promote the excellent practice we see from our teams.
6. A wide and extensive training programme with opportunities to train in specific areas and access to regular legal and practice updates.
7. Our systems and technology enable and promote hybrid and flexible working and Cardiff Council has a variety of supportive policies for its employees.
About the job
These roles require direct support of neurodiverse individuals who have identified care and support needs. You will work closely with team colleagues to support individuals to achieve the identified outcomes in their care and support plans. This role requires a high level of direct work with individuals in their own accommodation or in the community. You will be required to participate in Team Meetings and care and support reviews to relay and receive information that contributes to care and support planning, supporting people in their own homes, Safeguarding adults at risk and risk management planning.
You will be allocated a caseload and be expected to manage the competing demands of this with support from your Supervisor and the Team Manager. You will be required to work in a Strengths-Based manner with individuals supporting them to maximise their independence. You will be required to work within the Social Services and Wellbeing Act (Wales) 2014 Legislation.
What We Are Looking For From You
1. Experience of direct work with adults with care and support needs in a caring setting.
2. Knowledge of the needs of individuals who are neurodivergent.
3. Ability to work independently and as part of a Team, seeking support and advice when appropriate.
4. Good verbal and written communication skills and administrative skills.
5. The ability to define professional boundaries and work in a focused way with individuals.
6. The ability to organise own work and to meet deadlines.
7. Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of citizens is an expectation of all who work in the service area.
8. A commitment to working closely with colleagues in a developing specialist social work service and to multi-professional working with colleagues in statutory and third sector services when required.
9. The ability to speak other languages, in particular Welsh, and Community Languages would be an advantage.
Additional information
This post is temporary until 31st March 2026.
If you would like to have a discussion about working for the Neurodiversity Service please contact Sally Davies, Service Manager (Mon-Thurs) or Ann Jones, Team Manager on 02920788300. We can also be contacted by e-mail: sallydavies@cardiff.gov.uk / Ann.Jones@cardiff.gov.uk.
This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced check and is suitable for post share.
Safeguarding and Child Protection are key priorities for the Council. We aim to support children and vulnerable adults to ensure they are as safe as they can possibly be. Our services and schools are committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and vulnerable adults, and will take action to safeguard their well-being, and acknowledge that children and vulnerable adults have a right to protection. This is supported in the general ethos of the Council and all schools.
We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.
We understand you might use AI and other resources for your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, original and does not include ideas or work that is not your own.
The interview process for these roles will be held on a virtual basis using an appropriate online platform. If you have any concerns around your ability to participate in a virtual interview process then please contact me on the email address above.
Please note the Council does not accept CVs. When completing the supporting information section of your application, please ensure you refer to the below located on our website: Important information you need to read in order to complete your application:
* Application Guidance
* Applying for jobs with us
* Behavioural Competency Framework
Additional Information:
* Employee Charter
* Recruitment of Ex-Offenders
* Privacy Notice
Job Category: Social Services - Adults
Department: Social Services - Adults
Working Pattern/Contract Type: Full Time Temporary
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