At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with mental health needs as they transition to adulthood.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on empowering youth in their critical life transitions.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 31 days annual leave, flexible working, and strong wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values diversity and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives during pivotal moments.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in mental health and transitions.
The predicted salary is between 32916 - 46000 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Grade H. Scale 29 - £39,862 to Scale 34 - £45,091 with a professional bar at Scale 31 - £41,771
Hours Per Week: 36 hours
Base Location: Wilshaw House, Wilshaw Lane, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 9QG
Assessment Date: To be arranged
The Role
Make a difference at one of the most critical moments in a young person’s life. You’ll work alongside young people aged 16-18 (and beyond) with moderate to severe mental health needs, many of whom are neurodivergent or have dual diagnoses. Your focus will be to ensure that transitions are timely, person‑centred and legally robust, empowering young people and their families to prepare for adulthood with confidence.
Key Responsibilities
- Complete Care Act assessments and develop meaningful, strengths‑based support plans
- Navigate complex legal frameworks including DoLS, Court of Protection work, and Section 21A
- Work closely with children’s services, CAMHS, SEND, health, education and housing partners
- Support carers and families through periods of significant change
- Build trusting relationships with individuals who may be reluctant or anxious about adult services
- Champion a needs‑led, non‑oppressive, and rights‑based approach
Our service operates Monday to Friday, with occasional planned Saturdays, offering flexibility while keeping work‑life balance firmly in sight.
About You
You will be:
- A qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England
- ASYE completed, with substantial post‑qualifying experience in mental health and/or transitions
- Confident working with legislation, complexity and uncertainty
- Have an understanding of EHCPS
- Skilled at partnership working and clear professional decision‑making
- Someone who values reflective practice, supervision and continuous learning
Benefits
- A fair salary and benefits package
- Up to 31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Flexible working and strong wellbeing support
- A comprehensive workforce development programme
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
This post is subject to Enhanced with Barred List Disclosure Procedures. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expect all staff to share this commitment.
This position 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 practiced to the highest expected level.
This post is a designated customer facing role under the fluency duty and requires a specified level of spoken English. 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.
Transitions Social Worker – Preparing for Adulthood (Mental Health) employer: Tameside Council
Join a dedicated team at Wilshaw House, where we prioritise the wellbeing and development of young people facing mental health challenges. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through comprehensive training and flexible working arrangements, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. With a commitment to inclusivity and continuous learning, we empower our employees to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transitions Social Worker – Preparing for Adulthood (Mental Health)
✨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 Transitions Social Worker – Preparing for Adulthood (Mental Health)
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.