At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities to achieve meaningful outcomes and promote their wellbeing.
- Company: Join a supportive local government team committed to social work excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, a buzzing pension, and fantastic perks like discounts and training opportunities.
- Other info: We value diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must be registered with Social Work England; students nearing qualification are welcome to apply.
The predicted salary is between 32916 - 46000 £ per year.
About The Role
- Working Hours: 2 × 35 Hours Per Week
- Contract Type: Permanent, Full‑Time
- Additional Payments: Essential Car User Allowance
- Closing Date: 11 June 2026
- Closing time: 11.59pm
- Interview Method: Face to Face
Recruitment Criteria
- 2 references – where possible 3 years’ history
- Qualification – Qualification and registration with Social Work England
- Medical Clearance – Pre‑placement health assessment (PPHA)
- Essential Car Documentation – Must hold a full valid driving licence and provide own car for use at work (Essential Car User Allowance will be provided)
- DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance – Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check required under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013)
Team Overview
Our Learning Disability Team is a stable, supportive and well‑established service where good social work practice is valued and protected. It is known for a strengths‑based, person‑centred approach that promotes choice, independence and wellbeing, a supportive and inclusive culture with regular reflective supervision, low turnover, a strong commitment to staff wellbeing and positive multi‑agency working with health and partner organisations.
Responsibilities
- Work with adults with learning disabilities and their carers to support meaningful outcomes
- Undertake Care Act assessments, support planning and reviews
- Apply the Mental Capacity Act confidently and proportionately
- Respond to safeguarding concerns and work to reduce risk
- Build effective relationships with individuals, families, providers and partner agencies
You will manage a varied and rewarding caseload, supported by experienced colleagues and approachable managers who promote reflective and safe practice.
Essential Requirements
- Registered with Social Work England
- Experience of, or a strong interest in, working with adults with learning disabilities. Applicants who are students or social work apprentices on their final practice placement and will be qualified by June 2026 are welcomed.
- Committed to strengths‑based, rights‑focused practice
- Value teamwork, reflection and continuous improvement
- Share our commitment to equality, dignity and respect
Benefits
- Generous holiday allowance – Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
- Buzzing pension – Enrolment in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with many options to top up benefits and life cover of three‑times your salary as a lump sum.
- Enhanced parental and carers leave – Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options to bond with a newborn or support family during critical life events.
- Brilliant perks – Access a range of discounts on food, holidays, phones, cycle‑to‑work scheme, free flu jab, eye tests, etc.
- Learn and grow – A range of learning opportunities from workshops and training to apprenticeships and qualifications, beginning with a comprehensive onboarding process.
- Good Employment Charter member – Secure, flexible work with fair pay review, recognition of trade unions, and health and wellbeing support throughout your career.
- Up to 3 days volunteering leave – 3 pro‑rate days of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.
Inclusive Team Policy
We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people. We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
Support During the Process
- Interview Adjustments – Let us know if you need adjustments for the interview.
- Accessible Formats – Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the Accessibility tools button on the careers page, offering text‑to‑speech, translation into multiple languages, adjustable text size and colour.
Guaranteed Assessment Scheme
We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panel’s minimum shortlisting requirement for the role and identify with at least one of the following criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces (members or veterans)
- Current or former care leavers
- Have a disability or long‑term condition
When You Join Us
- A workplace adjustment hub provides specialist support, advice and guidance for thriving at work.
- Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network offer inclusive spaces to share experiences and influence council practice.
- Commitment to accessibility standards and disability‑friendly workplaces.
Employment Requirements
In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement. This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy.
Pre‑Employment Checks
Pre‑employment checks required will depend on the role you have applied for. These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.
Other Relevant Information
We will make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment for those who need support to undertake the duties of the role. If any task proves to be unachievable, we will consider redesigning parts of the role.
Contact
For more information about the role or any adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk.
Social Worker employer: Old Moat
Join our Learning Disability Team in Manchester, where we prioritise a supportive and inclusive work culture that values good social work practice. With generous benefits including up to 31 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and extensive learning opportunities, we are committed to your professional growth and wellbeing. Our focus on teamwork, reflective supervision, and a strengths-based approach ensures that you will make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Old Moat.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Old Moat!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Old Moat, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Old Moat or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Old Moat:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Old Moat! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Old Moat
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
