Experienced Social Worker (Level 3) - Children's Services

Trafford Council; Trafford; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave

Hybrid working

LGPS pension

Career development

Job summary

Trafford Council is recruiting experienced social workers to join a supportive, forward‑thinking team in Greater Manchester. The role offers hybrid working, with SMART options and in‑person interviews, and a market factor supplement of £2,400 per annum (pro rata) to enhance recruitment and retention.

We prioritise relationship‑based practice and high‑quality supervision, with opportunities for professional development and progression within a collaborative, community‑focussed service.

Job description

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

Supporting Documents

Experienced Social Worker 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.

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