Practice Manager - Children's Services

Band 11: £51,356 - £54,495 per annum
Working Pattern: Full Time
Working Arrangement: Hybrid Working
Contract Type: Permanent
Interview Type: In Person

Shape Better Futures in Trafford

At Trafford, we are ambitious for children, young people and families, and equally ambitious for the leaders 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 managers and practitioners can thrive.

If you are an experienced social work manager who wants to make a genuine difference whilst helping shape practice, develop people and lead improvement, 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 managers value:

• Supportive and visible senior leaders
• A strong focus on reflective supervision and practice quality
• Manageable workloads and effective oversight
• A collaborative and friendly culture
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Opportunities for career progression and professional development
• The ability to contribute directly 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 are looking for leaders who are confident, compassionate and committed to delivering excellent outcomes for children and families.

About the Role

As a Practice Manager, you will lead and support a team of social workers and practitioners to deliver high-quality services for children, young people and families.

• Provide leadership, oversight and professional supervision to practitioners
• Promote high-quality assessment, planning and decision-making
• Drive strengths-based, relational and restorative practice
• Support staff development, performance and wellbeing
• Ensure effective risk management and safeguarding practice
• Maintain oversight of caseloads, service performance and practice quality
• Contribute to service development, quality assurance and improvement activity
• Build effective relationships with partners and stakeholders across the children's system

You will play a key role in creating a culture of learning, reflection, accountability and continuous improvement, ensuring children receive the right help at the right time.

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, practice model and the wider service.

High-Quality Management Support: Regular supervision and support from experienced senior leaders, alongside opportunities for peer learning, networking and leadership development.

Manageable Workloads: We understand that effective leadership requires time to support practitioners and oversee quality practice. Managers actively review workload, capacity and performance to ensure services remain safe and effective.

Leadership Development: We are committed to developing our managers. Whether you are looking to enhance your leadership skills, contribute to service transformation or progress into senior leadership roles, Trafford offers opportunities to support your ambitions.

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 outcomes for children are achieved when practitioners and managers feel valued, supported and empowered.

We are looking for Practice Managers who:

• Are passionate about improving outcomes for children and families
• Can provide strong and visible leadership
• Build effective and trusting relationships
• Demonstrate sound professional judgement and resilience
• Support, challenge and develop others
• Promote high standards of practice and performance
• Embrace reflective practice and continuous learning
• Want to contribute to an ambitious and improving service

About the Benefits

Our benefits include:

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Health and wellbeing support
• Staff network groups
• Home Technology Scheme
• Car Lease Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Discount Scheme
• The option to purchase additional annual leave

We also offer a range of wellbeing initiatives, colleague networks and support services to promote health, wellbeing and inclusion.

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.

Essential Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England
• Significant post-qualifying experience in children's social care
• Experience of supervising, supporting and developing practitioners
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance and safeguarding practice
• Evidence of leading high-quality social work practice and supporting positive outcomes for children and families