North West England

35 - 35 GBP Per Hour

Children's Services

Contract

Reference 2692

Social Worker – Cared for Children | Trafford Council

Position: Social Worker
Team: Cared for Children
Contract: Locum
Hours: 36.25 hours per week
Pay Rate: £35 per hour
Location: Trafford, Greater Manchester
Contact: Emily Cooper – 07745200325 | ecooper@sheldon-phillips.com

Sheldon Phillips are working in partnership with Trafford Council to recruit a Social Worker for their Cared for Children Service. This team is responsible for supporting children and young people who are subject to long-term care plans, providing the stability and trusted relationships needed to help them heal, grow and thrive.

The team’s focus is on maintaining permanent, stable placements, reducing disruption, and promoting recovery and belonging through consistent, trauma-informed care. If you’re experienced in care planning and have a commitment to permanence, this is an opportunity to make a genuine difference in children’s lives.

What You Can Expect:

A strong team ethos with a focus on long-term, relationship-based work
Clear pathways for permanence and emotional recovery
An emphasis on minimising placement disruption and strengthening identity
Collaborative, wraparound support involving multi-agency partners
Supportive management with consistent supervision
Hybrid working options depending on service needs

Duties and Responsibilities:

Hold a caseload of children with long-term care plans (e.g., under Full Care Orders or Section 20)
Ensure all care planning and statutory responsibilities are met in line with Care Planning Regulations
Complete Looked After Child Reviews, Permanency Planning, and Placement Stability work
Undertake life story work, and support young people’s understanding of their journey
Work with foster carers, residential providers, and extended networks to ensure children feel secure and supported
Advocate for the child’s emotional, health and educational needs
Work closely with Independent Reviewing Officers and contribute to key decision-making forums
Maintain accurate, timely, and reflective case records

Requirements:

Social Work England (SWE) Registration
Recognised Social Work qualification
Post-qualified experience within a Looked After Children or Permanency Team
Excellent care planning, communication, and direct work skills
Strong understanding of trauma, identity, and long-term outcomes for care-experienced children
A relationship-focused, strengths-based approach