At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and individuals to make positive changes and prevent escalation to intensive services.
- Company: Positive Steps, a transformative organisation in Greater Manchester since 1977.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience in engagement and support with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25389 - 25389 £ per year.
Hours: 36
Salary: £25,388.97 per annum
Reporting: Operational Manager – Early Intervention and Prevention
Contract: Multiple Roles with various contract lengths. Full time and Part time considered
Closing Date: Monday 2nd February 2026, Midday
Interview: Thursday 12th February 2026
Positive Steps is a unique organisation and has been changing the lives of people in Greater Manchester since 1977. Our current offer involves supporting those in Education, Criminal justice, Family and Community and Safeguarding settings. We are at an exciting point in our development with a focus on growing our impact while reaching excellence in all our work.
The Role
The main purpose of this role is to act as a keyworker delivering packages of support with families, adults and whole households to prevent escalation to more intensive services. Through undertaking an Early Help assessment and by working with clients in a person-centred way, you will help people on your caseload to make positive changes and to develop the skills to manage their issues in the future.
Our training, partnership links and excellent management support will help you to develop the skills and knowledge required to address a wide range of issues including mental health, debts, housing, relationships and parenting. This is a hybrid role, meaning that you will be working from our central Oldham office, in clients’ homes and community settings according to business needs.
For this role you will need to be confident in caseload management and the use of electronic recording systems. If you have the required experience, are committed to making a difference and have great engagement skills with children, young people and adults then we look forward to receiving your application.
Positive Steps is an equal opportunities organisation and applications are welcome from all sections of the community. Please note that we do not hold a sponsor licence and we do not intend to offer sponsorship for this particular role. You should therefore ensure that you have/will have the right to work in the UK to be able to undertake this role. If appointed, you will be required to provide relevant right to work documents at the point of an offer being made to you. This role is subject to a Standard DBS check.
Engagement Worker – Early Intervention and Prevention in Manchester employer: Positive Steps
Positive Steps in Greater Manchester is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With a strong focus on community engagement, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages personal growth and collaboration. The hybrid role allows for flexibility and meaningful interactions with families, making it a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engagement Worker – Early Intervention and Prevention in Manchester
✨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 Positive Steps.
✨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 Positive Steps!
✨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 Positive Steps, 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 Positive Steps 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 Engagement Worker – Early Intervention and Prevention in Manchester
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 Positive Steps:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Positive Steps! 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 Positive Steps
✨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.