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- Tasks: Support care leavers in planning their future goals and aspirations.
- Company: Join an outstanding team dedicated to improving young lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, solid management support, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and experience with young people required.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 30300 - 38400 £ per year.
Salary Grade 3B starting salary (£36,363) to 4A (£46,142) (Salary Grade is dependent on experience). 1 x full time (36 hours).
About us
The Next Step has been rated by OFSTED as ‘Outstanding’ and prides itself upon favourable outcomes for care leavers in education, employment and training (71% August 2025) and contact with all our service users under 21 years of age (100% August 2025).
You will formulate young people’s pathway plans which will help them meet their full potential and ensure the plan meets the identified needs of the young person and facilitate the effective participation of young people, carers and other professionals in the review system.
The post holder will have a Social Work qualification, with relative experience for the post, be able to display and promote positive practice whilst demonstrating enthusiasm and passion for protecting children and young people across the city.
At Next Step we work with children in care and care leavers aged 16 - 25 years. We currently have an exciting vacancy within our team to enable us to continue to build on our success and also bring new experience, knowledge and ideas into the team.
You will effectively manage a limited caseload of complex cases in accordance with statutory responsibilities. These will include child protection, cared for children, Public Law Outline and court proceedings cases. You will deploy these responsibilities in accordance with national and local policies and procedures to secure positive outcomes for children.
There will also be an expectation that you will contribute to both group and individual reflective supervision.
About You
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who have good interpersonal and communication skills to undertake work with care leavers, assisting them in planning their future goals and aspirations. Your style and approach will reflect our values: you will be passionate about what you do always striving to improve things; valuing and respecting others’ contribution, you will work together to deliver a better service; you will take pride in always getting things right first time and learn from when things do go wrong; you will enjoy taking personal responsibility to resolve issues and change what you do and how you do it to make a difference.
About the Role
You will be part of a larger team and will work alongside young people, particularly in the areas of budgeting, accommodation, education and employment. The post holder will have a caseload of aged 16 plus care leavers and be expected to participate in duty activities. This is a qualified post but there is an expectation that the successful applicant will have significant experience of working with vulnerable young people.
In return we can offer:
- A well-motivated and energetic team backed up by a dedicated Administrative Team
- Solid Management Support
- Full induction Programme
- Agreed programme of Supervision
- Personal Development Plan
Not to mention the satisfaction you’ll gain from making a real difference to the lives of young people at the formative stage.
Please attach a CV and a covering letter outlining how you meet the ‘what we need from you’ in the attached role profile, outlining the reasons why you would like to apply for this position and highlighting any relevant experience that you have.
This role is crucial in supporting our journey to the implementation of the Family partnership model of practice, and to continue to improve the outcomes for children and families in Salford. You will need to be passionate about working with children and young people, have a practice base with strengths in relational and systemic practice, and knowledge of the signs of safety risk assessment model approach.
Please be aware that this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Want to know more about Salford? As an authority we are dedicated to improving the lives of our residents, and as an employer we are passionate about helping individuals to thrive in their work. We are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture and are proud of our professional accreditations which champion this.
Continuous Service commitment: New employees can keep their service related benefits when moving between a whole host of public sector organisations within Greater Manchester.
Guaranteed Assessment Schemes: We have made a commitment to improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers, carers, and ex-military personnel by way of a Guaranteed Assessment Scheme.
Privacy Statement and Data Protection: Our core data protection obligations and commitments are set out in the council’s primary Recruitment and Employment Privacy Notice.
Social Worker - Leaving Care Team (Next Step/ Pathway Advisor) in Salford employer: Salford Council
Contact Detail:
Salford Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Leaving Care Team (Next Step/ Pathway Advisor) in Salford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work or related fields. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people from the Next Step Team. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions specific to social work. Think about scenarios you've faced and how you handled them. Show your passion for helping young people and your understanding of their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that align with your values and skills. The Next Step Team is all about making a difference, so highlight your relevant experience and enthusiasm in conversations and interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your excitement about the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Leaving Care Team (Next Step/ Pathway Advisor) in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of a Social Worker in the Leaving Care Team. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your work with vulnerable young people.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you a great fit. Be specific about your experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Values: We want to see your enthusiasm for improving outcomes for young people. Use examples from your past work to demonstrate how you embody the values we hold dear, like collaboration and personal responsibility.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at Next Step.
How to prepare for a job interview at Salford Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of the role, especially around pathway planning and working with care leavers. Brush up on relevant legislation and local policies, as this will show your commitment and understanding of the field.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your dedication to making a difference in their lives. This will resonate well with the values of the Next Step Team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations involving vulnerable young people. Think through some examples from your past experience where you’ve successfully navigated challenges, and be ready to discuss your thought process and outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how success is measured within the role. This shows you’re genuinely interested and engaged with the position.
