Children's Services - Advanced Practitioner

Trafford Council; Trafford; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market factor supplement £2,400 p.a.

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Job summary

Trafford Council is seeking an Advanced Practitioner in Children's Services to support high-quality social work practice, assess risk, and help achieve positive outcomes for children and families. The role emphasizes strengths-based, relational practice and coaching for social workers and students within a thriving, collaborative team.

The council offers a market factor supplement of £2,400 per annum (pro rata), paid monthly and reviewed annually, plus flexible and hybrid working arrangements to

Responsibilities

• Provide advice, guidance and challenge on complex cases
• Support assessment, planning and risk management
• Promote strengths-based and relational practice
• Coach and support social workers, students and other practitioners
• Contribute to supervision, practice learning and service improvement
• Build effective relationships with partners and communities
• Support managers in maintaining high standards of practice

Job description

Advanced Practitioner - Children's Services

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 practitioners 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 value:

• Supportive and approachable managers
• Reflective supervision and strong practice support
• Manageable workloads and effective oversight
• A collaborative and friendly team culture
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Opportunities for career progression and development
• 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.

About the Role

As an Advanced Practitioner, you will support high-quality social work practice, helping colleagues assess risk, make effective decisions and achieve positive outcomes for children and families.

• Provide advice, guidance and challenge on complex cases
• Support assessment, planning and risk management
• Promote strengths-based and relational practice
• Coach and support social workers, students and other practitioners
• Contribute to supervision, practice learning and service improvement
• Build effective relationships with partners and communities
• Support managers in maintaining high standards of practice

You will model confident, child-centred practice and contribute to a culture of learning, reflection and continuous improvement.

We Are Committed to Providing You With

• A Strong Induction: A comprehensive induction programme, including protected time to get to know your team, our systems and the wider service.
• High-Quality Supervision: Regular reflective supervision that supports your wellbeing, professional development and decision-making, alongside opportunities for peer learning.
• Manageable Workloads: Managers actively monitor workloads, considering complexity as well as numbers, with priorities regularly discussed through supervision and team support.
• Career Development: Opportunities to develop specialist expertise, contribute to service improvement work and prepare for future leadership roles.
• Flexible Working: Through our SMART Working approach, colleagues combine 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.

• We are looking for Advanced Practitioners who:
• Are passionate about improving outcomes for children and families
• Can model high-quality social work practice
• Build effective and trusting relationships
• Demonstrate sound professional judgement and resilience
• Provide constructive challenge and support
• Embrace reflective practice and continuous learning
• Want to contribute to an ambitious and improving service

Additional Information

This is a rolling recruitment campaign and applications will be reviewed regularly.

Opportunities may arise across a range of Children's Services teams. We will discuss your experience, interests and preferred area of practice during the recruitment process.

This vacancy may close early if sufficient suitable applications are received, so we encourage early applications. For full details of the role and essential criteria, please refer to the accompanying role profile.

Supporting Documents

Advanced Practitioner Role Profile

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.

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

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 [e-mail]

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.