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- Tasks: Lead a multi-agency team to support children and families in need.
- Company: Join Trafford Children's Services, dedicated to improving lives through strong leadership and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, professional development, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a friendly, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: 3 years of social work experience and 2 years in management required.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; must pass an enhanced DBS check.
The predicted salary is between 44700 - 49000 £ per year.
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Practice Manager- First Response, Greater Manchester
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Client:
Location:
Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
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EU work permit required:
Yes
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Job Reference:
4fd5e5ffce97
Job Views:
7
Posted:
14.07.2025
Expiry Date:
28.08.2025
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Job Description:
Practice Manager- First Response
Salary range Band 11 (£49,764 – £52,805 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
This is an exciting opportunity to lead and manage a team within Trafford Children’s Social Care.
Here in Trafford Children’s Services our vision is that our teams are offering the right help at the right time, and that at all levels our interventions make life better for children and families. We are ambitious for our children and for our practitioners – and our core value is ‘would this be good enough for my child’?
About you
We want to have practitioners and managers who are confident and brave in their practice and are supported by strong leaders at all levels. As a relatively small local authority, we pride ourselves on our friendly teams, manageable caseloads, creative approaches and colleagues who support each other. We were pleased to see this recognised in the Ofsted report that followed our ILACS inspection in late 2022, which highlighted that “social workers in Trafford are overwhelmingly positive about both the local authority and the support they receive.”
First Response
Our First Response service is our dedicated ‘Front Door’ to Children’s Services. It is a multi-agency team that plays a key role in supporting professionals ensure that our children and families receive the right help, at the right time, from the right professional.
As a Practice Manager you will manage a multi-agency team that consists of social workers and first response advisors alongside partners including police, education, health and a domestic abuse advisor. The team is responsible for offering initial advice and screening requests for help and support that are made into the service, across all levels of need.
You will have management experience within a Front Door environment and will lead the team in helping children, families and professionals to understand the support available, as well as responding to safeguarding referrals ensuring that practice standards are met, and that children and families are appropriately supported.
About the Roles
As a Practice Manager, you’ll ensure that a high-quality service is provided to children and families. You will take the lead role for the team, make management decisions and review, advise and give informed direction when required, ensuring that practice serves to continuously improve the quality of life outcomes for children and young people.
You will make sure that effective care planning takes place for all children and plans are reviewed within the required timescales. You will ensure effective financial and budget oversight.
You’ll also be able to demonstrate experience in managing and developing staff, alongside leadership abilities and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
You should have:
At least 3 years’ post qualifying experience of social work
2 years’ experience of providing professional supervision / line management in line with council policies. Detailed knowledge of key legislation, statutory guidance, regulations and frameworks in relation to children.
Detailed knowledge of relevant legislation and social policy issues; and of different approaches to social work practice, paying particular regard to relational and restorative approaches with children and their families.
About us
In Trafford our approach is strengths-based, using relational and restorative practice. Our recent Ofsted report referred to our \”relational model of social work practice, which is well regarded by the wider workforce, has been successfully implemented.”
We believe that a culture and environment in which our managers and social workers can thrive is an essential element of improving outcomes for children and families. To support this, we have invested in a 3-year programme with relational specialists Strengthening Practice to provide ongoing training and enhance our social workers’ personal development. Our 2023 Ofsted report recognised this, noting a “cultural shift (that) has been underpinned by a strong training offer to support social workers to develop the skills they need to provide a better service to children”.
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
Please note all roles are now hybrid meaning a blend of locality-based and home working.
An enhanced DBS check with children barred list check will be required.
You may need to work outside of normal hours from time to time, including weekends and should be willing to travel within and outside of the Trafford area as required
If you want further information or to discuss the role further contact [emailprotected]
About the benefits
You will be welcomed into a friendly environment where your personal and professional development will be encouraged. You will have the opportunity to work and grow in a people-centered and values-based organisation that promotes a positive permission culture. Your opinions matter so you will have the opportunity to shape how we do things here at Trafford.
To learn more about Trafford as a place to work visit and t o view more about our awards and benefits please visit: Trafford – Benefits | www.inploi.com (greater.jobs)
OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION
Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment – greater.jobs | www.inploi.com
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 (www.gov.uk) . Please note we are not a licensed sponsor a nd 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. To find out more, please click here: Recruitment & Employment Privacy Notice (trafford.gov.uk)
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Practice Manager- First Response employer: Trafford Council
Contact Detail:
Trafford Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Manager- First Response
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Trafford's strengths-based approach and relational practice. Understanding these core values will help you align your management style with the expectations of the role, showcasing your commitment to improving outcomes for children and families.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in children's social care, especially those who have experience in multi-agency teams. Engaging with current or former employees can provide insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed teams, handled safeguarding referrals, and improved service delivery, as these are crucial aspects of the Practice Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research recent Ofsted reports and understand their implications for Trafford Children's Services. Being knowledgeable about the latest evaluations and how they impact practice will demonstrate your proactive approach and genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Manager- First Response
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Practice Manager- First Response position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your management experience within a Front Door environment and any relevant social work qualifications. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your past roles align with the responsibilities of this position.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role requires strong leadership abilities, include examples of how you have successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your communication and interpersonal skills, as these are crucial for the Practice Manager role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a personalised cover letter that reflects your understanding of Trafford's vision and values. Mention how your approach aligns with their strengths-based, relational practice model and express your enthusiasm for contributing to their mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trafford Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Practice Manager role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the First Response service and how it operates within Trafford Children's Services. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Practice Manager, you'll be leading a multi-agency team. Be prepared to discuss your previous management experiences, particularly in a Front Door environment. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led teams and improved outcomes for children and families.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Legislation
You should have a solid grasp of key legislation and statutory guidance related to children's services. Be ready to discuss how this knowledge informs your practice and decision-making, especially in safeguarding scenarios.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Prepare to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders, including social workers, health professionals, and families. This will demonstrate your ability to foster collaboration within a multi-agency team.
