Director of Social Work and Social Care

Connected Local Government; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization in Trafford is seeking a Director of Social Work & Social Care to lead transformational adult services. The role involves managing integrated teams, setting accountability standards, and fostering partnerships to enhance service delivery. We are looking for a qualified social worker with strong leadership skills and a commitment to improving lives. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of Adult Social Care in Trafford within a supportive environment focused on innovation and community well-being.

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker with deep practice credibility.
• Experience in leading complex adult services confidently.
• Ability to inspire confidence and drive improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage operational services across integrated teams.
• Set accountability and performance standards to drive improvement.
• Collaborate with partners to integrate pathways and better outcomes.

Skills

Leadership skills

Political astuteness

Relationship-based approach

Education

Qualified social worker

Job description

Overview

Lead the Future of Adult Social Care – Transform Lives Every Day in Trafford

Trafford is on an ambitious journey to transform Adult Social Care services. Working with our residents and partners, we are creating a person-centred service that supports individuals and communities to live well. Prevention is at the heart of our practice model, and our Improving Lives Every Day (ILED) programme sets out a clear vision: to help people be safe, independent, and well.

Our strategic priorities include:

• Prevention and Independence
• Improving Access
• Enhancing Mental Health and Safeguarding Services

To achieve this, we have redesigned our management structure and launched a new ‘Front Door’ service, ensuring residents receive timely advice and support, while we take every opportunity to prevent, reduce, and delay needs.

The Role

As Director of Social Work & Social Care, you will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. You will champion personalised adult social care and social work for Trafford residents, leading the delivery of our practice vision and implementing a new practice framework and delivery model.

You will:

• Lead and manage operational services across integrated neighbourhood teams, urgent care, the front door, mental health, and learning disability services.
• Set clear accountability and performance standards, driving continuous improvement and achieving budget savings.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the authority, health partners, and the third sector to integrate pathways and deliver better outcomes and value for money.

About You

You are a qualified social worker with deep practice credibility and a relentless pursuit of excellence. You will:

• Lead a complex range of adult services with confidence and clarity.
• Be politically astute and skilled at turning insight into action.
• Inspire confidence among practitioners, partners, Members, and residents.
• Role model a workforce-centred, relationship-based approach that empowers teams and improves lives every day.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Adult Social Care in Trafford. You will be part of a leadership culture that puts residents and the workforce first, driving innovation and improvement across our services. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact our search partner, GatenbySanderson: Philip Emms (07590 225472) or Jude Watters (07594 250060).

Closing date: Friday 20^th February

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.