Early Professional Career Practitioner
Tameside Council
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Grade I. Scale 35 - £46,142 to Scale 39 - £50,269 with a professional bar at Scale 37 - £48,226**
Hours Per Week: 36 hours
Base Location: Tameside One
Assessment Date: 10th September 2026
The Role
We are seeking a confident and supportive Social Work practitioner to lead the delivery, assessment and development of our Early Career Social Work pathway within Adult Social Care.
This role is pivotal in supporting Newly Qualified Social Workers through their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE), as well as practitioners undertaking professional apprenticeships and social work students on placement. Working under the direction of the Workforce Development Lead, you will help deliver and quality assure the ASYE programme, monitor practitioner progression, maintain performance oversight, identify and manage risks and support workforce development initiatives. You will work collaboratively with managers, mentors, assessors, universities and training providers to ensure practitioners receive high-quality learning experiences and achieve positive outcomes throughout their professional development journey.
Applying professional judgement and drawing on your social work expertise, you will support practitioners to develop their skills, confidence and competence, whilst appropriately addressing performance or capability concerns where they arise. You will play a key role in promoting high standards of professional practice, strengthening learning cultures across Adult Services, and helping to develop a sustainable pipeline of skilled and confident social workers for the future.
About You
You will be a qualified and registered Social Worker with experience in Adult Social Care and safeguarding practice. You will have experience supporting Newly Qualified Social Workers, students, apprentices or professional learners and a good understanding of workforce development and professional standards.
You will be highly organised and able to manage competing priorities, coordinate a range of workstreams, maintain accurate records and performance information, and provide professional advice, guidance and constructive challenge to practitioners and managers.
Experience of assessment, supervision, practice education, mentoring or workforce development is desirable. A Practice Educator qualification is desirable; however, candidates who are willing to work towards achieving this qualification will also be considered.
We are looking for someone who is proactive, solution-focused and committed to supporting the development of others. You will be passionate about promoting high-quality professional practice, fostering a positive learning culture, and contributing to the development of a skilled and sustainable Adult Social Care workforce.
About Us
‘’Hello, I’m Joe Kelly, Strategic Director of Adult Social Care and Health, and a proud resident of Tameside.
‘’Our vision for adult social care is simple: to support people to live well in the place they call home. That means enabling people to live well and age well, so they can enjoy long, healthy and fulfilled lives in our borough. I’m extremely proud of the way our services work together to support people to live a good life, one where they are able to do the things that truly matter to them.
‘’I believe strongly in authentic and compassionate leadership, and in supporting our workforce to practise in ways that genuinely listen to the people we support. Together, we deliver care that enables people to live their best lives - maximising opportunities, maintaining independence, and helping people stay connected to their communities.
‘’By joining us at Tameside, your voice will be heard. You’ll be part of an ambitious and supportive team that builds on the strengths of our communities and connects social care and health in local neighbourhoods. You’ll be encouraged to develop, reflect and grow in your career, while playing a direct role in shaping how we do things differently and delivering a truly transformative approach to social care.
‘’The people we support are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to an inclusive approach that recognises, values and champions the diversity of our borough, prioritising the strengths of everyone we support.
If this sounds like something you want to be part of, join Team Tameside and make a real difference in our residents’ lives.’’
** This post is classified as being in a professional job category. As such the grade for the job has a professional grade development bar which employees can progress through subject to meeting the following criteria:
1. Relevant professional qualification for the job role at Level 6 or above, AND
2. Minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in the role, AND
3. Maintained membership of a regulated body where this is a requirement to practice in the role where applicable, AND
4. Professional standards practised to the highest expected level.
This position is subject to Enhanced with Barred List Disclosure Procedures.
Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer sponsorship.
Our rewards and benefits package can be viewed here
For further information about this role please contact the recruiting manager Laura Parker on 0161 342 3657 or laura.parker@tameside.gov.uk