Job Description

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About The Role

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week



Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time


Additional Payments: Essential Car User Allowance



Closing Date: 25 July 2025


Closing time: 11.59pm



Interview Method: Face to Face

This Role is Subject to:

2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.

Qualification

- Social Work Qualification and registration with Social Work England


Essential Car Documentation- This post is a designated Essential Car User. Therefore, you must always hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use at work. You will receive the Essential Car User Allowance.



Driving Licence - The successful candidate should hold a full clean driving licence as you will be required to drive a vehicle adhering to council regulations.



DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply foran EnhancedDisclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here. We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders and it is available upon request.

The New Arrivals Team is looking for a Senior Social Worker to join our vibrant and diverse team within the Cared for Children Service.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Manchester's specialist team that look after Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC).





The New Arrivals team works with Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children across the city to ensure the very best outcomes, supporting all aspects of their care including concerns around trafficking and immigration. We support children and young people from the point of arrival right up until adulthood.





We are looking for child focussed, passionate individuals who have a keen interest in working with UASC, ideally you will have some experience working with migrant families. Within this role you will support the key social workers to ensure plans are progressive for children and young people as they transition to adulthood, ensuring they have every opportunity to reach their full potential and achieve stability.

Primary purpose and scope

To provide effective and high quality professional social work to children and their families in accordance with legislation, national, regional and local statutory guidance, policies and procedures with the outcome of improving the lives of children in Manchester city council. The post holder will work with stakeholders to effectively manage and plan for present and future risk situations of service users by assessing the needs of individual children drawing on their experiences and voices, and ensuring links to current practice, research and theoretical bases to inform care planning.



For an informal discussion please contact team manager Muna Salei, munasalei@manchester.gov.uk



Key Responsibilities include:


To manage a caseload and keep accurate case records of work with young people and undertake statutory recordings. To contribute to assessments and Pathway Plans, providing ongoing assessment promoting young people's full engagement within their care plan. To work with young people to promote welfare and ensure that their views and wishes are considered when undertaking assessments, developing Pathway Plans and reviews. To work in a flexible manner to provide advice, practical assistance and support to young people to enable successful transitions. To coordinate the provision of services and to take reasonable steps to ensure that the young person makes use of such services To ensure that young people receive appropriate support in all aspects of their life, including accommodation, health and education. To support young people to receive appropriate support around their independence skills and work with young people to develop their financial management skills with a view to them becoming responsible for their own budget. To advise and practically support young people to gain access to appropriate accommodation To work in partnership with a range of agencies to ensure young people receive an integrated, holistic response to meet their needs ###

About the Candidate

Key accountabilities

Understand the role of the child and family and child development

The post holder will be responsible for building effective professional relationships with children and families that enables full participation in assessment, and care planning based upon best evidence which addresses risk in all its forms. The post holder will take account of child development theories and new learning to inform their practice and shape their assessment and analysis of risk and care planning, taking into account that each child is unique within developmental norms. The post holder will assess the influence and impact of cultural and social factors on the child's development including key factors such as parenting styles, and the child's resilience/uncertainty to change and loss.

Understand factors that impact children including abuse and neglect

The post holder will identify the impact that social and environmental factors have on parents and carers ability to promote good outcomes for children accessing help for them via other services and adult interventions to promote the outcome of improving the child's outcomes.


This will include early help, domestic violence, mental health services and coordinating as part of social work intervention to reduce concerning adult behaviours that could increase risk to children. The post holder will exchange information with partner agencies as part of their responsibilities to safeguard and promote the safety of children.


Taking into account the long term and acute aspects of child abuse in all its forms. The post holder will lead investigations of allegations of significant harm listening and challenging appropriately the views of others to assess and analyse risk. As part of this the post holder will coordinate and lead a coordinated risk management plan to protect children from significant harm.

Undertake effective direct work with children and families

The post holder will demonstrate the ability to develop strong interpersonal skills to engage and motivate children and their families in a variety of circumstances such as child protection enquiries and assessment, in order to enable change.


The post holder will draw on theoretical evidence based interventions and research to inform their practice and interactions with children and families in all stages of their journey and interaction with social care from early help transition to adult services, independence and adoption.

Undertake child and family assessment demonstrating effective analysis, decision

[1]

making, planning and review

The post holder will have the ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with children of all ages and abilities drawing on a range of agreed evidence based communication methods to enable them to share their wishes and feelings.


The post holder will be able to demonstrate effective care planning utilising skills to critically evaluate risks alongside evident strengths in order to make effective decisions and ensure solution focused approaches to problem solving that draws on utilising finite resources to maximum effect. This will include working with the voluntary and community sector.


The post holder will be able to undertake clear jargon free case recordings, written reports which evidence clear analysis and rationale for decisions made.

Understand the law and the family justice system undertaking ongoing research

Understand the role of a Social Work within the family justice system and how relevant regulation and statutory guidance relates to the law and carry out all duties with due regard to confidentiality and data protection regulations and legislation.



Keep records up to date in compliance with Manchester City Council recording policy and procedures. Develop opportunities to share and reflect on decisions made on an ongoing basis, including seeking advice from other professionals and agencies

Demonstrate professional ethics

Ensure that all children and adults are valued regardless of age, gender orientation and disability.

Deliver performance management and service improvement

The post holder will support the leadership of the team and service through the provision of advice and supervision to colleagues, contributing to the ongoing development of staff, students and trainees. Take responsibility under the direction of the team manager for the support and supervision of a student social worker on placement, acting as practice teacher if appropriately trained.


Will lead and co-work cases and specific areas of work that are complex and sensitive as part of supporting and developing colleagues development within the team and as part of this induction new staff.


Ensure that the regular use of quality assurance processes in the development of frontline practice as part of supporting the improvement of practice and development of a high quality service to children and families. People. Pride. Place.


Deputise for the team manager in their absence and or when directed to do so and assist the team manager in ensuring health and safety of staff and individuals and the safety of equipment and operations within the team, in accordance with health and safety legislation.


Personal commitment to continuous self development and service improvement. Through personal example, open commitment and clear action, ensure diversity is positively valued, resulting in equal access and treatment in employment, service delivery and communications.

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About Us

We're the local council for one of the UK's most vibrant and diverse cities.



Working for Manchester isn't just a job - it's an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it's strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you'll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.



Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city - a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:


We take time to listen and understand We work together and trust each other We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly We 'own it' and we're not afraid to try new things We're proud and passionate about Manchester

Benefits we offer

Generous holiday allowance -

Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks.

A buzzing pension -

You'll be enrolled in the UK's largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum.

Enhanced parental and carers leave -

Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events.

Brilliant

perks

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Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.

Learn and grow -

We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.

A Good Employment Charter member -

We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.

Up to 3 days volunteering leave -

Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

At Manchester City Council, we're dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

Support During the Process

Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview. Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:


Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans Current or former care leavers Have a disability or long-term condition

When You Join Us

We're a Disability Confident Employer, offering:


A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work. Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice. A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.



For more information about the role or any adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk.

What we will need from you if you're successful

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.

Pre-Employment Checks

If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you've applied for. As a guide, these checks may include:


Proof of Right to Work: You'll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK. References: We'll require references from your current and previous employer(s). Proof of Qualifications: Evidence of qualifications relevant to the role will be required. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: A criminal record check may be necessary, depending on the role. Driving Licence: If the role requires driving, we'll need evidence of your valid driving licence.

These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.

Other relevant information

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we'll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.



For more information about the role, please ensure that you read the role profile attached.

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