At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Community Mental Health Team to provide vital support and care for adults facing mental health challenges.
- Company: Trafford Council, a vibrant and inclusive borough in Greater Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to community wellbeing and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in adult mental health and strong assessment skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Working Pattern: Full Time
Working Arrangement: On Site/Office Based/Hybrid/Home Working
Interview Type: Person/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 are seeking a committed and skilled Mental Health Social Worker to join our Community Mental Health Team, with specific responsibility for undertaking s117 aftercare reviews. You will play a key role in delivering high-quality, person-centred support that reflects social work values and promotes recovery, independence, and social inclusion.
Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you will complete holistic assessments, develop and review care plans, and ensure statutory s117 responsibilities are met in a timely and person-centred way. You will complete Care Act assessments of need where required and complete the process in acquiring a commissioned package of care where necessary. You will work collaboratively with health, social care, and community partners to ensure seamless pathways of support, while maintaining accurate, defensible case records and contributing a social work perspective to MDT discussions. Safeguarding, least-restrictive practice, and strengths-based approaches will underpin your work. This is a role where your professional judgement, empathy, and commitment to high-quality practice will make a meaningful difference to adults experiencing mental health difficulties.
About You
You will be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England, bringing significant experience in adult mental health within statutory or voluntary settings. You will have strong assessment, care planning, and risk management skills, alongside a solid understanding of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, safeguarding procedures, and the wider legislative framework.
You will be confident in undertaking s117 aftercare reviews, coordinating multi-agency input, and ensuring aftercare arrangements remain appropriate, lawful, and recovery-focused. You will be skilled at working with adults experiencing complex mental health needs, including those in crisis, and able to build trusting, therapeutic relationships that support engagement and wellbeing. Your practice will be trauma-informed, strengths-based, and grounded in anti-oppressive principles. You will work collaboratively with families, carers, and multi-agency partners, and be able to navigate complex systems to advocate for service users’ rights and access to support. Strong communication, reflective practice, and the ability to prioritise a varied caseload are essential. You will also be confident using digital systems and contributing positively to team culture.
Additional Information
An enhanced/basic DBS Check with children/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 out of area.
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 the hiring manager, Jenni Armour at Jenni.Armour@trafford.gov.uk or on 07870375390.
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...
- 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.
Guaranteed Assessment Scheme...
We have made a commitment to improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers, carers, and ex-military personnel by way of a Guaranteed Assessment Scheme. Our application form asks you to indicate if you meet any of the criteria within this scheme.
Greater Manchester Continuous Service...
We will recognise your previous service with other public sector organisations. This means that if you are joining us from a participating organisation, you can retain valuable service-related benefits such as annual leave entitlement.
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 & Employment Privacy Notice.
S117 Social Worker 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 S117 Social Worker 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 S117 Social Worker 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.
