At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in supporting adults through complex social care cases.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to making a difference in social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on individuals' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in adult social care and strong knowledge of relevant legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 46300 - 52800 £ per year.
Working Pattern: Full time
Working Arrangement: 36.5 hours per week (08:30-16:30)
Interview Date/Type: Face to face
Smart Working: We aim to offer flexibility wherever possible. Many of our colleagues work from home one or more days a week and/or adjust their hours. We call this SMART working – giving you the freedom to shape your working pattern around your life, whilst still delivering great outcomes. Speak with the hiring manager about the range of flexible working options available for this role.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Social Worker or Senior Practitioner to join the Adult Social Care Hospital Discharge Team (HDT) as a Senior Practitioner. This role requires experience in supervising and/or managing staff within a social care setting. It is key to the development of a high‑performing team that works effectively with individuals, families, and partner agencies. We are seeking candidates with a strong knowledge of relevant legislation and a well‑developed understanding of the issues facing adults with care and support needs, as well as their carers and families. The postholder will work with adults and families and will undertake responsibilities including allocation of work, chairing strategy meetings, staff supervision, and deputising for the Team Manager. The role plays an important part in driving quality and performance, promoting outstanding practice, and ensuring the best possible outcomes for individuals.
About You
As a Senior Practitioner, you will play a key role in delivering high‑quality, person‑centred practice. You will provide advanced professional leadership, guidance, and support to colleagues, ensuring practice is safe, effective, and aligned with statutory responsibilities and best practice standards. This role includes complex casework, decision‑making, practice development, and elements of operational and line management responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert support and oversight on complex and high‑risk cases, ensuring defensible decision‑making and proportionate interventions.
- Act as a practice lead and role model, promoting strengths‑based and person‑centred approaches.
- Support colleagues through mentoring, coaching, and supervision to improve practice standards.
- Undertake advanced assessments, risk management, and safeguarding enquiries in line with legislation and guidance.
- Contribute to quality assurance and audit processes, identifying and supporting improvements.
- Work collaboratively with partner agencies to coordinate effective multi‑agency responses.
- Support the implementation of policies, procedures, and service improvements.
- Provide appropriate professional challenge, escalating concerns where necessary.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and high‑quality case records.
- Support the development of newly qualified and less experienced staff.
Accountability and Scope
Operates with a high degree of professional autonomy within agreed parameters. Holds responsibility for decision‑making in complex cases. Works closely with team managers to inform service delivery, practice standards, and performance improvements.
Skills and Experience
- Significant experience in adult social care, including complex casework and safeguarding.
- Strong knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, safeguarding frameworks).
- Ability to provide constructive challenge, reflective practice, and professional leadership.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and partnership‑working skills.
- Demonstrated ability to support and influence practice quality without formal management authority.
- Applicants should be registered with Social Work England.
Additional Information
This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible.
Senior Practitioner (Senior Hospital Discharge Team (HDT) employer: Trafford Council
Join our dynamic Adult Social Care Hospital Discharge Team as a Senior Practitioner, where we prioritise flexibility and work-life balance through our SMART working initiative. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth, offering opportunities for mentoring and leadership development while ensuring high-quality, person-centred care for adults and their families. With a commitment to excellence and collaboration with partner agencies, we strive to create a rewarding environment that empowers our staff to make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner (Senior Hospital Discharge Team (HDT)
✨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 Trafford 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 Trafford 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 Trafford 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 Trafford 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 Senior Practitioner (Senior Hospital Discharge Team (HDT)
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 Trafford Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Trafford 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 Trafford 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.
