At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a dedicated team to support children and families in need.
- Company: Salford City Council, committed to improving lives and fostering a diverse culture.
- Benefits: Up to 34 days holiday, hybrid working, and robust training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with excellent career growth and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work management and a passion for child protection.
The predicted salary is between 54495 - 56288 £ per year.
Fixed term for 12 months Practice Manager Child Protection and Child in Need Team. Grade: 5A, £54,495 to £56,288. Working hours: 36 hours per week. Interviews will take place on 2nd September 2026.
An excellent opportunity has arisen to appoint a Practice Manager within our Child Protection/Child in Need Team. Our Child Protection and Child in Need service is made up of 6 teams, each with their own Practice Manager, two Advanced Social Workers and seven Social Workers. Workers in this department seize the opportunity to support families to make progress so risks are reduced for children and young people.
Our social work teams are supported by a bespoke team of family practitioners co-located with the social work teams, dedicated administration support alongside minute taking pools to help to reduce the time spent on administrative tasks and close working relationships with our integrated family time service. In Salford, we are interested in you as a person and the practitioner you are or who you aspire to be.
Your role will include:
- Oversight and management of the day to day delivery of all aspects of the Social Work team.
- Focus on the quality and improvement of social work and service delivery.
- Ensuring effective participation of children, young people and families, and that their lived experiences inform plans.
- Responsible for documentation, record keeping, accounting and communication maintenance, and effective information strategies for data sharing.
- Regular analysis, monitoring, measurement and maintaining of the performance of the team to ensure impact on outcomes for children and families is understood.
- Accountable to the Service Manager for staff supervision, care and development of the team.
What we can offer you:
- Up to 34 days holiday a year (plus bank holidays).
- Competitive salary.
- Hybrid working giving flexibility for you to manage your diary and offer a better work/life balance.
- Refurbished office space with free parking on site.
- Rich in resources to help you with any child or family you work with.
- Robust training offer and mentoring scheme to support you with your career and aspirations.
- A comprehensive Wellbeing Offer.
- Regular, quality, reflective supervision from a consistent management and leadership team.
Please be aware that this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to the link below for details for how to obtain your Certificates of Good Character.
What we need from you if you are invited to interview:
- Passport/ID - You will be required to provide documentary proof of your right to work in the UK.
- Qualifications/registrations if applicable for the role.
Please note that Salford City Council is currently unable to provide visa sponsorship for any role, as no Certificates of Sponsorship are available. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship.
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.
Find out about our city as a place to live, work & grow, and learn more about the amazing work we are doing. You’ll also find out about the wealth of benefits we have to offer you on our Salford pages!
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.
Practice Manager - Child Protection / Child In Need in Swinton employer: Salford Council
Salford Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community by supporting vulnerable individuals through their challenging times. With a flexible hybrid working model, employees enjoy a balanced work-life environment while benefiting from professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture that values compassion and teamwork. Joining the Salford Assist Team means being part of a mission-driven organisation that prioritises employee well-being and community service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Manager - Child Protection / Child In Need in Swinton
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Salford Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Manager - Child Protection / Child In Need in Swinton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Salford Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Salford Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Salford Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Salford Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Practice Manager - Child Protection / Child In Need role at Salford Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Salford Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
