Experienced Social Worker in Trafford

Working Pattern: Full time, 36.25 hours per week / Hybrid working - minimum 3 days in the office.

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: We have an exciting opportunity for experienced Adult Social Workers to join Adult Social Care at Trafford Council as we continue on our Improving Lives Every Day (ILED) journey. With a new leadership team and a strong focus on quality, learning and positive change, this is an excellent time to join us. This campaign is focused on recruiting Social Workers who can operate at an experienced (Band 8) level, bringing a strong track record of working with complex cases and making sound, evidence-based decisions. We are recruiting across several service areas, including neighbourhood teams, hospital discharge and learning disability services. Wherever you work, you will support adults, carers and families to live well, stay independent and remain connected to their communities.

You will use strengths-based practice, apply professional judgement confidently in complex situations, build effective multi-agency relationships and contribute to safe, timely and proportionate decision-making. You will be part of a supportive and forward-looking service where your expertise is valued and your continued development is supported.

About You: You will be a qualified and experienced Social Worker with a strong record of working within adult social care, including managing complex cases and safeguarding situations. You will bring:

• Significant post-qualifying experience in adult social care
• Confidence in risk assessment and complex decision-making
• A strong understanding of Care Act duties, safeguarding and legal frameworks
• Experience of completing proportionate, outcome-focused assessments and support plans

You will demonstrate well-developed professional curiosity, sound judgement and the ability to work autonomously while contributing to team decision-making. You will be confident working with risk, balancing rights and responsibilities, and ensuring that decisions are clearly evidenced and defensible. You will have experience of working in partnership with health, housing, voluntary and community services, building strong relationships that support effective and seamless pathways. We are particularly keen to hear from Social Workers who are already operating, or ready to operate, at an advanced/experienced level within Adult Social Care.

If you are committed to high-quality practice and want to be part of a service that is improving, ambitious and focused on delivering better outcomes for residents, we would welcome your application.

Additional Information: This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible. The above role is Band 8 £40,777 to £42,839 with a Market Supplement of £2,145.00. An enhanced DBS Check with adults barred list will be required. You will be required to drive in this role. You will be asked for a copy of your driving license as part of the recruitment process. Willing and able to travel to sites within the Trafford Borough.

Find Out More: For the full details of this opportunity, please refer to the role profile linked below. If you have any questions or would like an informal chat you can get in contact with Dawn Price / Louise Irving at dawn.price@trafford.gov.uk / louise.irving@trafford.gov.uk.

About us: Trafford is a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces. We’re a place where community and opportunity meet. With excellent transport links, a proud heritage as the birthplace of the NHS, world-class sporting venues and outstanding schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.

Why Trafford? We’re more than just a local authority; we’re a team of passionate people committed to making a real difference. We deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries and leisure and much more. No matter what your role is with us, you will help us to create a borough where all our residents, businesses and communities thrive.

Our Culture: Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They’re not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day. They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best. If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.

What you’ll love about working with us: Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work-life balance:

• 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.

Make an Impact. Apply Today: If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team shaping a better Trafford for our residents, businesses and communities then we'd love to receive an application from you. We want everyone to feel confident and supported throughout our recruitment process. If you need any help, adjustments or support at any stage, please get in touch with us at recruitment@trafford.gov.uk. After reviewing the role profile and submitting your application, successful candidates will be invited to a short interview to learn more about your skills and experience.