We believe that everyone deserves to live with dignity and respect, regardless of their age, abilities, or circumstances. Our Adult Social Care team is at the heart of our mission, providing essential services and support to those in need.

Working in Adult Social Care at Dorset Council is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. You will have the opportunity to work closely with individuals and their families, providing practical support and assistance that makes a real difference in their lives.

Our team is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds, with a range of skills and experience. We provide comprehensive training and development opportunities, so whether you're just starting out in your career or looking to advance to a leadership role, we'll help you get there.

You will have the chance to make a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable adults and contribute to building stronger, more connected communities. So, if you're looking for a meaningful and fulfilling career in Adult Social Care, we invite you to explore the opportunities available at Dorset Council.

Graham Underwood, Social Worker and Practice Educator shares his experience of working at Dorset Council in this video.

‘Dorset has believed in me and supported me to achieve what I needed to do in life.’

Our vision - putting people at the heart of care

The government has committed to investing £250 million over the next two years to recognise and support skills for careers in care. This substantial investment is intended to provide the workforce with greater support and increased opportunities for career progression in the care sector. 

Our plan includes digital transformation in Adult Social Care, personalising care through stronger data and local authority assurance, supporting people to remain independent at home, driving innovation and improvement, and joining up services to support people and carers.

We aim to:
  • address opportunities for improvement in rising demand
  • shape healthy and diverse social care markets
  • address variation in quality and safety of care
  • support the adult social care workforce
  • navigate the system and find the right care and support
  • accelerate adoption of technology
  • expand the choice of housing and accommodation options
Our aim is to drive integration of health and care services through innovative approaches to care delivery.

 

Meet some of the team

Louise Townsend, Social Worker

"Working with adults with learning disabilities is such a privilege. I love being able to make a difference to people's lives."

Florence Matimba, Assessment and Support Co-ordinator

"My role is rewarding and variable and it comes with different challenges. The managers are very supportive and they care about wellbeing. Training is available to everyone and there are loads of opportunities to choose from."

Gina Yates, Social Worker

"Even something small, like enabling someone to connect with a support service in their community, can have a positive impact."

Catherine Ronzitti, Continuing Healthcare Advanced Practitioner

"Dorset Council is a fantastic employer, they invest in their staff, identifying how essential we are to providing a high quality service, and I feel I can help shape services for the better."
Read more about Catherine's story
 

Izzy Kearl, Assessment and Support Co-ordinator, Home First Team

"This is a very rewarding job and I have a very supportive team to lean on"
Read more about Izzy's story

Why work for Dorset Council

As part of Dorset Council's Birth to Settled Adulthood we are also working alongside our colleagues in transitions to support people who have come to the attention of services.

We have a strong commitment to a strengths-based approach in our relationships with customers and employees alike. We foster a vibrant, happy, and high achieving workforce.

We offer regular, reflective supervision that supports Continuous Professional Development and we are proud of our robust learning and development offer. This includes access to the ASYE programme, mentoring and coaching, various external training including BIA, AMHP, access to RIPFA courses, Community Care Inform and internal training to support development in specific areas of practice.

Career opportunities in Adult Social Care

 

Assessment and Support Co-ordinator

This role assesses the needs of adults with social care needs and coordinates appropriate support services for them. They work with other agencies and professionals to ensure that services meet required standards and promote the well-being, independence, and quality of life of vulnerable adults in the community.

Shared Lives

This team recruits, trains, and supports carers who provide accommodation, care, and support to adults with learning disabilities or mental health issues in their own homes as part of a shared living arrangement, providing opportunities for greater independence, social inclusion, and community participation.

Newly Qualified Social Worker

As a newly qualified social worker, you will be joining a challenging but hugely rewarding profession making a difference to the lives of many of our most vulnerable residents. 

Learn more about assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE)

Social Worker

Social workers are at the heart of what we do. We are committed to providing the support, training and development you need to continue to improve your professional practice as a social worker.

Occupational Therapist

An occupational therapist works with individuals who have physical, mental, or developmental challenges to improve their ability to perform daily tasks and achieve greater independence by using therapeutic interventions, adaptations, and assistive technologies.

Approved Mental Health Professional

A qualified and experienced social worker or healthcare professional who has been trained and accredited to assess individuals who are experiencing mental health crises.

Area Practice Manager

This role oversees and manages a team of social workers, ensuring that services are delivered effectively and efficiently, and that vulnerable children and families receive appropriate support, protection and care within their designated area. This role may manage Assessment and Support Coordinators, Social Workers and Occupational Therapists.