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- Tasks: Lead and transform Adult Social Care services in Trafford, making a real difference in people's lives.
- Company: Trafford Council, dedicated to improving community wellbeing and social care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of social care while empowering teams and enhancing community wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with leadership experience and a passion for excellence.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team committed to innovation and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 100731 - 104625 £ per year.
Location - Trafford Town Hall, Talbot Road, Stretford, M32 OTH with hybrid working.
Salary range - £100,731 to £104,625 per annum
Working Pattern - Full time, 36.25 hours per week. We will offer flexibility where we can; if you are interested in a role, please speak to the recruiting manager about what flexibility they might consider. Many of our colleagues can work from home for one or more days a week and/or they flex the hours they work. We call this SMART working, and it gives you the option to flex your days and hours so you can fit your work around your life and life around your work.
Contract type - Permanent
Application deadline - 20 February 2026
Interview type - In person
About the role
Lead the Future of Adult Social Care. Transform Lives Every Day in Trafford. Trafford is on an ambitious journey to transform Adult Social Care services. Working with our residents and partners, we are creating a person-centred service that supports individuals and communities to live well. Prevention is at the heart of our practice model, and our Improving Lives Every Day (ILED) programme sets out a clear vision: to help people be safe, independent, and well.
Our strategic priorities include:
- Prevention and Independence
- Improving Access
- Enhancing Mental Health and Safeguarding Services
To achieve this, we have redesigned our management structure and launched a new ‘Front Door’ service, ensuring residents receive timely advice and support, while we take every opportunity to prevent, reduce, and delay needs.
As Director of Social Work & Social Care, you will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. You will champion personalised adult social care and social work for Trafford residents, leading the delivery of our practice vision and implementing a new practice framework and delivery model.
You will:
- Lead and manage operational services across integrated neighbourhood teams, urgent care, the front door, mental health, and learning disability services.
- Set clear accountability and performance standards, driving continuous improvement and achieving budget savings.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the authority, health partners, and the third sector to integrate pathways and deliver better outcomes and value for money.
About you
You are a qualified social worker with deep practice credibility and a relentless pursuit of excellence. You will:
- Lead a complex range of adult services with confidence and clarity.
- Be politically astute and skilled at turning insight into action.
- Inspire confidence among practitioners, partners, Members, and residents.
- Role model a workforce-centred, relationship-based approach that empowers teams and improves lives every day.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Adult Social Care in Trafford. You will be part of a leadership culture that puts residents and the workforce first, driving innovation and improvement across our services.
About us
Trafford Council and its partners in the public, private and third sectors have a Vision which sees us working together to close inequality gaps and maximise Trafford’s huge potential. Our vision: Trafford where all our residents, businesses and communities thrive. Trafford is a lively, prosperous place to put down roots and build a career. The council and Trafford schools employ around 8,000 people, who are central to making the area great. In return for their commitment, the council offers its employees development opportunities, as well as a fair and flexible workplace. The council is a Living Wage Employer.
Additional Information
If you are applying under the Guaranteed Assessment Scheme then you need to show that you meet the essential requirements of the job as set out in the ‘About You’ section of the role profile. You may be given the opportunity to demonstrate your skills, talent and abilities at an interview or other form of assessment.
For this opportunity, you must be able to prove you have the right to work in the UK - if in doubt please visit the following link Employers' right to work checklist - GOV.UK. Please note we are not a licensed sponsor and we won't be able to support with your work visa.
Privacy Notice - The Council needs to hold and process information about employees, workers and other individuals as appropriate, for various reasons. With the General Data Protection Regulations coming into force we have in place a new privacy notice for staff, contractors, volunteers, trainees, those on work experience and job applicants.
Director of Social Work & Social Care employer: Trafford Council
Contact Detail:
Trafford Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Social Work & Social Care
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work and care sector. Attend local events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential colleagues or leaders in the field. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Trafford Council’s values and recent initiatives in adult social care. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision of improving lives every day. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but a perfect match for their mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you can drive continuous improvement in services. The more comfortable you are talking about your experience, the more confident you’ll feel during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of Trafford’s journey to transform adult social care. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Social Work & Social Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Director of Social Work & Social Care role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with Trafford's vision for adult social care.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage teams. Use examples from your past experiences that showcase your leadership style and how you've driven positive change in social work settings.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your passion for improving lives shines through. Remember, clarity is key to making a strong impression!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. This way, your application will be reviewed promptly, and you'll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team at Trafford!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trafford Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and challenges in adult social care. Brush up on Trafford's specific initiatives, like the Improving Lives Every Day programme, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Director, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare examples that demonstrate how you've inspired teams and driven change in previous roles. Highlight your ability to foster a collaborative environment and how you’ve successfully managed complex services.
✨Be Politically Savvy
Understand the political landscape of Trafford and how it impacts social care. Be ready to discuss how you can navigate these dynamics to advocate for residents and improve service delivery. This will show you’re not just a qualified social worker, but also a strategic thinker.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their vision for the future of adult social care in Trafford and how they measure success. This shows you’re genuinely invested in making a difference.
