At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support the development of early career social workers in Adult Social Care.
- Company: Join Tameside, a community-focused organisation dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping the future of social care.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in supporting new practitioners.
The predicted salary is between 46142 - 50269 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Grade I. Scale 35 - £46,142 to Scale 39 - £50,269 with a professional bar at Scale 37 - £48,226
Hours Per Week: 36 hours
Base Location: Tameside One
Assessment Date: 10th September 2026
The Role
We are seeking a confident and supportive Social Work practitioner to lead the delivery, assessment and development of our Early Career Social Work pathway within Adult Social Care. This role is pivotal in supporting Newly Qualified Social Workers through their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE), as well as practitioners undertaking professional apprenticeships and social work students on placement. Working under the direction of the Workforce Development Lead, you will help deliver and quality assure the ASYE programme, monitor practitioner progression, maintain performance oversight, identify and manage risks and support workforce development initiatives. You will work collaboratively with managers, mentors, assessors, universities and training providers to ensure practitioners receive high-quality learning experiences and achieve positive outcomes throughout their professional development journey.
Applying professional judgement and drawing on your social work expertise, you will support practitioners to develop their skills, confidence and competence, whilst appropriately addressing performance or capability concerns where they arise. You will play a key role in promoting high standards of professional practice, strengthening learning cultures across Adult Services, and helping to develop a sustainable pipeline of skilled and confident social workers for the future.
About You
You will be a qualified and registered Social Worker with experience in Adult Social Care and safeguarding practice. You will have experience supporting Newly Qualified Social Workers, students, apprentices or professional learners and a good understanding of workforce development and professional standards. You will be highly organised and able to manage competing priorities, coordinate a range of workstreams, maintain accurate records and performance information, and provide professional advice, guidance and constructive challenge to practitioners and managers. Experience of assessment, supervision, practice education, mentoring or workforce development is desirable. A Practice Educator qualification is desirable; however, candidates who are willing to work towards achieving this qualification will also be considered.
We are looking for someone who is proactive, solution-focused and committed to supporting the development of others. You will be passionate about promoting high-quality professional practice, fostering a positive learning culture, and contributing to the development of a skilled and sustainable Adult Social Care workforce.
About Us
Our vision for adult social care is simple: to support people to live well in the place they call home. That means enabling people to live well and age well, so they can enjoy long, healthy and fulfilled lives in our borough. We believe strongly in authentic and compassionate leadership, and in supporting our workforce to practise in ways that genuinely listen to the people we support. Together, we deliver care that enables people to live their best lives - maximising opportunities, maintaining independence, and helping people stay connected to their communities.
By joining us at Tameside, your voice will be heard. You’ll be part of an ambitious and supportive team that builds on the strengths of our communities and connects social care and health in local neighbourhoods. You’ll be encouraged to develop, reflect and grow in your career, while playing a direct role in shaping how we do things differently and delivering a truly transformative approach to social care.
The people we support are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to an inclusive approach that recognises, values and champions the diversity of our borough, prioritising the strengths of everyone we support.
If this sounds like something you want to be part of, join Team Tameside and make a real difference in our residents’ lives.
This post is classified as being in a professional job category. As such the grade for the job has a professional grade development bar which employees can progress through subject to meeting the following criteria:
- Relevant professional qualification for the job role at Level 6 or above, AND
- Minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in the role, AND
- Maintained membership of a regulated body where this is a requirement to practice in the role where applicable, AND
- Professional standards practised to the highest expected level.
This position is subject to Enhanced with Barred List Disclosure Procedures. This post is a designated customer facing role under the fluency duty and requires a specified level of spoken English.
If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application.
Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer sponsorship. We are committed to developing a culture which respects individuals, appreciates difference and allows everyone regardless of background to reach their full potential. We are proud to be an accredited disability confident employer. Reasonable Adjustments will be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 in relation to the Job Role Criteria.
For further information about this role please contact the recruiting manager Laura Parker on 0161 342 3657 or laura.parker@tameside.gov.uk
Early Professional Career Practitioner employer: Tameside Council
Tameside Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where finance professionals can thrive and make a significant impact on the community. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to sustainable financial strategies, staff are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to ambitious regeneration plans. The collaborative culture fosters innovation and provides exceptional visibility in decision-making, making it a rewarding place to work for those looking to lead in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Professional Career Practitioner
✨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 Tameside 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 Tameside 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 Tameside 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 Tameside 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 Early Professional Career Practitioner
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 Tameside Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Tameside 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 Tameside 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.
