At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pathway planning and quality assurance for care experienced young people aged 18-25.
- Company: Join Stockport Council, a recognised leader in inclusive employment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and commitment to staff wellbeing.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualified with experience in quality assurance and care planning.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
37 Hours, Full Time
Temporary, 2 years
Hybrid Office base Central House
Application Deadline: 31st August 2026 11:59pm
Shortlisting Date: 1st September 2026
Interview Date: 4th September 2026
Interview Type: Face to Face
Your Role
We are looking for a Pathway Planning and Quality Lead Manager to play a critical role in strengthening the quality, consistency and effectiveness of pathway planning and review processes across the Leaving Care Service, also leading on quality assurance. You will provide supervision for the Pathway plan reviewers, robust oversight and quality assurance of pathway plans for care experienced young people aged 18-25, ensuring that plans are timely, high quality, and centred on the voice and lived experience of young people. The role will balance quality assurance responsibilities with a practice-based approach through holding a reduced caseload, ensuring that management and decision-making are grounded in direct experience of working with young people.
About You
We are looking for a Social Work qualified professional with significant experience of working with care experienced young people who has a strong understanding of statutory guidance relating to pathway planning and care leavers. You will be experienced in quality assurance and driving service improvement with the ability to analyse performance and practice data in addition to providing effective supervision and support.
About Us
At Stockport Council we are one ambitious team on a mission to create opportunities for everyone who lives, works and spends time in the borough. Working at Stockport Council means contributing to one of the most thriving towns in the North. We’re keen to recruit people with the right values and behaviours that can help us ensure our workplace values are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be recognised under the Good Employment Charter as an organisation committed to the wellbeing of our colleagues. As members of the charter, we have been recognised as a great place to work for all colleagues and pledge to pay the real living wage, engage staff in key decisions and endorse fair and flexible working conditions.
The successful applicant’s appointment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment clearances including a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Stockport Council holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not currently qualify. Stockport Council is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce culture - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities to join our workforce. We want our employees to have a good work life balance and in many job roles we can offer a range of flexible/hybrid working arrangements. We also have inclusive employment policies and staff engagement forums to support our diverse workforce. We will listen to, learn from, and develop our workforce.
Pathway Planning and Quality Lead Manager – Leaving Care in Stockport employer: Stockport Council
St Paul’s CE Primary School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment where staff are valued and encouraged to grow professionally. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, the school fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises continuous improvement and high-quality professional development. Located in the heart of Brinnington, employees benefit from a warm community atmosphere and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pathway Planning and Quality Lead Manager – Leaving Care in Stockport
✨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 Stockport Council.
✨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 Stockport Council!
✨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 Stockport Council, 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 Stockport Council 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 Pathway Planning and Quality Lead Manager – Leaving Care in Stockport
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 Stockport Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Stockport Council! 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 Stockport Council
✨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.
