At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, making a real difference in their lives.
- Company: Trafford Council, a vibrant local authority committed to community and opportunity.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive environment for career growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work and a commitment to positive change.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Working Pattern: Full Time
Working Arrangement: Hybrid
Interview Type: In Person
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.
Market Factor Supplement: To support the attraction and retention of experienced social workers, Trafford Council offers a market factor supplement of £2,400 per annum (pro rata), paid monthly and reviewed annually.
Shape Better Futures in Trafford: At Trafford, we are ambitious for children, young people and families, and equally ambitious for the social workers who support them. Following our recent Ofsted inspection, we are continuing to strengthen and improve services, building on our commitment to delivering high-quality, relationship-based practice and achieving the best possible outcomes for children and families. We know there is more to do, but we are clear about our priorities, investing in our workforce, and committed to creating an environment where social workers can thrive.
If you are an experienced social worker who wants to make a genuine difference whilst developing your career in a supportive and forward-thinking local authority, we would love to hear from you.
Why Trafford? As a relatively small local authority, Trafford offers the opportunity to know your colleagues, influence change, and see the impact of your work. Our practitioners tell us they value:
- Supportive and approachable managers
- A strong focus on reflective supervision
- Manageable workloads and meaningful caseload oversight
- A collaborative and friendly team culture
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Opportunities to develop specialist skills and progress your career
- The chance to contribute to service improvement and innovation
Our practice model is strengths-based, relational and restorative, placing children and families at the centre of everything we do. We want practitioners who are confident, compassionate and committed to delivering excellent social work practice.
We are committed to providing you with:
- A Strong Induction: We recognise that starting a new role is a significant step. That's why we provide a comprehensive induction programme, including protected time during your first weeks to get to know your team, our systems, and the wider service.
- High-Quality Supervision: You will receive monthly reflective supervision that supports your professional development, wellbeing and decision-making. Our refreshed supervision framework also includes opportunities for peer learning and shared reflection.
- Manageable Workloads: We understand that good social work depends on having the capacity to build meaningful relationships with children and families. Managers actively monitor workloads, taking account of case complexity as well as numbers, and prioritisation is regularly discussed through supervision and team support.
- Career Development: We are committed to helping our social workers develop and succeed. Whether you are looking to deepen your expertise, undertake project work, participate in national initiatives, or progress into advanced practitioner or management roles, Trafford offers opportunities to support your ambitions.
- Flexible Working: We know that work is only one part of life. Through our SMART Working approach, many colleagues work flexibly, combining office, home and community-based working to achieve the best outcomes for children whilst maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Our Commitment to You: We are investing in our workforce because we know great social work happens when practitioners feel valued, supported and empowered. In return, we are looking for experienced social workers who:
- Are passionate about achieving positive outcomes for children and families
- Can build effective and trusting relationships
- Demonstrate sound professional judgement and resilience
- Embrace reflective practice and continuous learning
- Want to contribute to an improving and ambitious service
Additional Information: 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.
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.
Experienced Social Worker (Level 3) - Children's Services in Trafford employer: Trafford Council
Trafford Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation in the field of social care systems. Employees benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to safeguarding the community, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Social Worker (Level 3) - Children's Services in Trafford
✨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 Experienced Social Worker (Level 3) - Children's Services in Trafford
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.
