At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support adults in living well and staying independent.
- Company: Join Trafford Council, a vibrant and inclusive community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive development culture.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives while shaping social care delivery.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care leadership and a commitment to high-quality practice.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Working Pattern: Full Time
Working Arrangement: Hybrid Worker
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.
About the Role: This is an exciting time to join Trafford Council as we continue our Improving Lives Every day journey. As the Neighbourhood Service Manager, you will lead a team of social care professionals who play a vital role in supporting adults to live well, stay independent and remain connected to their local area. Working as part of our Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, you will help shape how social care is delivered at a neighbourhood level, ensuring support is joined up, strengths based and focused on what matters to individuals. You will work closely with partners across health, housing, the voluntary sector and community organisations, helping to build strong relationships that enable truly collaborative working. This role offers the opportunity to influence new ways of working, support cultural change and contribute to the development of high‑quality, person‑centred services. Your leadership will make a meaningful difference every day, helping to improve outcomes for people across Trafford and strengthening the foundations of our neighbourhood model.
About You: To be successful in this role, you will bring professional credibility, strong operational leadership experience and a genuine commitment to high quality social care practice. You will have a recognised qualification in a relevant field, alongside a solid understanding of adult social care legislation, safeguarding responsibilities and strengths based approaches. You will be confident in leading teams through change, supporting staff development and creating a positive, inclusive culture where people feel valued and able to thrive. You will be a visible and approachable leader who builds trust, inspires confidence and works collaboratively with a wide range of partners. Your communication skills will enable you to influence, problem‑solve and represent the service effectively within the neighbourhood and across the wider system. You will be comfortable managing resources, overseeing quality and ensuring services remain safe, effective and person centred. Above all, you will bring a flexible, solution‑focused mindset and a commitment to our Improving Lives Every day ambitions, helping to drive continuous improvement and deliver the best possible outcomes for local residents.
If you have completed the GM Elevate Leadership Development Programme within the last 2 years, please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application.
Additional Information: This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible. 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 licence as part of the recruitment process. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
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, Lyndsey Quirk, Director of Adult Social Work & Social Care at lyndsey.quirk@trafford.gov.uk or on 07872 883678.
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 well‑being, 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 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.
Service Manager in Trafford employer: Trafford Council
Trafford Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises flexibility and employee well-being through its SMART working initiative, allowing staff to shape their work patterns around their lives. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous leave policies, and a vibrant community-focused culture, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of local residents while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace. Join us in our mission to improve lives every day in the heart of Greater Manchester, where your contributions will be celebrated and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager 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 Service Manager 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.
