Working Pattern: Full time

Interview Date/Type: TBC

About the Role

Trafford Council is recruiting social workers to join the Central Neighbourhood.
The teams work with Adults in a range of situations with varying disabilities including long term conditions, preparing for adulthood cases, adults at risk drug abuse, hoarding, dementia, and alcohol issues.
We are looking for skilled and motivational social workers to work within a busy and challenging role.
A significant part of your role will be to provide social work assessment and interventions utilising a strength based and person centred approach, if necessary secure appropriate levels of funding where necessary.
For the level 3 post you will have at least 3 years post qualifying experience, and development and act as a mentor for less experienced staff.
In addition you will be required to provide an effective response to safeguarding enquiries in line with both the Care Act and local policy and procedures.
In return we offer flexible working arrangements, provide opportunities to develop skills through a structured development programme, and provide regular support through professional supervision.

A significant part of the role will be to engage in informative and preventative conversations which will include outcomes focused and strengths based social work assessments and related interventions.
You will be required to manage a caseload of work organising your working hours to make best use of your time ensuring this work is balanced with the responsibilities and work demands of the team
You will build effective professional relationships with other disciplines and with other local health and social care services to enable a coordinated response to the local population.
You will share responsibility with other colleagues for the work load of the team, supporting each other to make best use of each other’s strengths, skills and knowledge in response to the adult social care demands from the local population.
There will be a requirement for all team members to contribute to a duty rota responding to urgent demands for support for individuals in a state of crisis.
The team is committed to peer support and learning, making the most of the diverse range of experiences all members bring.
In addition you will need to demonstrate a commitment to providing an effective response to safeguarding the vulnerable adult population within the local area and oversee enquiries in line with both the Care Act and local policy and procedures.

If you have the following attributes this post may be just what you are looking for.

About You

Motivated for challenging existing ways of working
Understand the importance of continually improving the service
Enthusiastic to engage in adopting outcomes focused and strengths based assessments.
Committed to peer support and learning, making the most of the diverse range of experiences all team members bring
Committed to safeguarding the vulnerable adult population
Experience working in a statutory Adult Social Care service
A qualified Social Worker (level 3 would have completed the ASYE programme).

Additional Information

This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible.

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 Central Neighbourhood Team: Nick Edwards at Nicholas.Edwards@trafford.gov.uk

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.

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. To find out more and if you qualify please click here. If you apply under this scheme you will need to demonstrate that you meet the essential requirements of the job as set out in the ‘About You’ section of the role profile.

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. You can find out if this applies to you by visiting Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment | greater.jobs

Using AI in Your Application

At Trafford Council, we’re always open to new and innovative tools, including AI, that can help people work smarter. However, when it comes to job applications, what matters most to us is you. We really want to see your personality, your experience, and what excites you about joining our team.

If you choose to use AI for support, please be sure to read the instructions carefully and make sure your application is written in your own words, reflecting your genuine skills, knowledge and enthusiasm. Please see our guide on using AI in your application.

We’re looking forward to hearing your story.

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.

Supporting Documents

↗ Social Worker Role Profile

Ready to apply?

Location

Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford, M33 7ZF, United Kingdom

Job ID

1877

Supporting You Through Every Step of Your Journey

We want every candidate to feel welcomed, informed and confident when applying for a role with us.

This section brings together everything you need to succeed - from guidance on writing an authentic application to understanding how to use AI responsibly.

You’ll also find information about our Greater Manchester commitments, including our inclusive employment schemes and standards, as well as tools to help you explore your potential pay, benefits and entitlements. We’re here to ensure you have the support you need at every stage.

Working for a local authority in Greater Manchester

Local authorities across Greater Manchester are proud to be part of a shared commitment to widening access to employment and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

These commitments span a number of long‑standing schemes and initiatives designed to open doors, remove barriers and ensure all applicants feel valued and respected throughout their employment journey.

Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter

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Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter

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Our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

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Our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

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Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment

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Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment

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Greater Manchester People Inclusion Standards

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Greater Manchester People Inclusion Standards

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Applying Authentically With AI: Our Greater Manchester Approach

Across Greater Manchester’s local authorities, we want to hear your genuine experiences, skills and motivations, expressed in your own words.

To keep our recruitment process fair and inclusive, please complete your application personally and follow the instructions carefully. AI can be used to support you - for example, to help structure your answers or as a reasonable adjustment - but your application should still reflect your authentic voice.

Applications that depend too heavily on AI‑generated content may not progress to shortlisting.

This guidance outlines acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI, along with suggestions for using it in a way that supports you while keeping your application true to you.

  1. What Is AI and How Do We Use It Across Greater Manchester?

    AI refers to technology that can create or refine content, such as text, ideas, summaries, or planning. It can help improve productivity, problem-solving, and creativity.

    We’re open to using innovative digital tools where they can help us work smarter and deliver better services for our residents. However, every use of AI is carefully considered to make sure it is ethical, responsible, and aligned with public-sector values.

    When it comes to recruitment, we take a human-centred approach.

    This means:

    • A trained hiring manager reads every application

    • Shortlisting is based on objective criteria required for the job

    • Interviews are conducted in person or via teams by the hiring manager for the role

    • All hiring decisions are made by hiring managers, not algorithms

    AI does not make decisions in our recruitment process and our managers are being upskilled to spot AI in applications, particularly when this might have been used in a way that doesn’t feel genuine. If something in an application raises a question or concern, we will test this out with assessments or at the interview stage to confirm authenticity.

    Our aim isn’t to catch anyone out but to make sure we’re getting to know the real you, giving every candidate a fair chance and finding the right person for the role.

  2. Using AI in Your Application

    When it comes to job applications, what matters most to us is you. We want to see your personality, your experience, and what excites you about joining our team. 

    We recognise that AI can be a helpful tool to support accessibility during the application process. If you choose to use AI for support, please read the instructions carefully and make sure your application is written in your own words, reflecting your genuine skills, knowledge, experience and enthusiasm.

    We’re looking forward to hearing your story.

  3. How to use AI Effectively and Responsibly

    Your application is your chance to show us:

    • Who you are

    • What you can bring

    • The values you hold

    • Why you want to make a difference

    AI can help you organise your thoughts or improve clarity but it cannot express your unique voice, experiences, or motivations.

    AI is most helpful when used to:

    • Help you structure the information you are providing to evidence the criteria

    • Give examples of how to use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

    • Proof-read to highlight grammar or spelling errors

    • Provide inspiration if you're finding it difficult to find the right words to explain something

    But remember: your honesty, lived experience, and motivations are irreplaceable.

  4. Do’s and Don’ts for Using AI in the Recruitment Process

    Do:

    • Use AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement

    • Ask AI to help tidy up your writing or clarify structure

    • Use it to brainstorm examples, then rewrite them in your own voice

    • Reflect on AI suggestions and adapt them to match your experience

    • Use AI to help with research, but express your understanding yourself

    Don’t:

    • Copy and paste AI-generated content directly into your application

    • Let AI exaggerate or invent experience you do not have

    • Rely on generic statements that don’t reflect the specific role requirements

    • Remove your individuality, we want to hear your voice