Senior Practitioner (Urgent Care)

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Social Worker or Senior Practitioner to join the Adult Social Care Urgent Care (UC) 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.

Benefits

• Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
• Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working.
• Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
• Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you'll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
• Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and "Tea and Talk" sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
• Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let’s Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
• Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers’ scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.

Key Information

• Pre‑Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we’ll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Trafford Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to pre‑employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.
• Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
• Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council