Job Summary
Join the Salford CAMHS for Cared for Children (STARLAC) service as a Therapeutic Social Worker. This role places you at the heart of an innovative partnership between Salford Children’s Services and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) CAMHS, delivering specialist attachment and trauma‑informed care to children and young people in foster care.
Interview Details
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 25th November 2025. The interview date is fixed and any shortlisted applicants will be invited to present a brief case study as part of the selection process.
Responsibilities
* Deliver high‑quality therapeutic services to cared‑for children, families and carers.
* Support placements in crisis and prevent breakdowns.
* Lead emotional wellbeing consultations and parenting groups for foster carers.
* Provide training, reflective practice and supervision to colleagues and carers.
* Collaborate with partner agencies to ensure robust mental health and safeguarding support.
What You Will Bring
* A recognised social work qualification and at least 3 years post‑qualifying experience.
* Expertise in trauma‑informed practice and therapeutic caregiving models.
* Strong assessment, formulation and report‑writing skills.
* A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
* Passion for ongoing professional development and reflective practice.
What We Offer
* Clinical supervision from CAMHS and line management from the Fostering Service.
* Specialist training opportunities specific to mental health, therapeutic caregiving and trauma‑informed practice.
* Access to over 200 online courses via Me‑Learning.
* Tailoured development including Practice Educator training, mentoring and digital skill programmes.
* Opportunities to lead foster carer training and recruitment campaigns.
* A values‑driven workplace built on Pride, Passion, People and Personal Responsibility.
Essential Qualifications
* Recognised social work qualification: DipSW, BASW, MASW, CQSW, CSS – Level 3.
* Minimum of 3 years post‑qualifying experience in statutory childcare setting, with knowledge and understanding of trauma‑informed practice.
* Coordination and delivery of parenting groups for foster carers (Therapeutic Caregiving/PACE, Circle of Security, Foundations for Attachment).
* Coordination of EWMH (Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health) consultation to foster carers and residential home staff teams.
* Contribution of EWMH workshops to the foster carer training programme.
* Assessment, formulation and delivery of therapeutic EWMH services to cared‑for children, young people, their families and carers.
* Demonstrated ability to model and demonstrate the organisation’s values and behaviours.
* Thorough knowledge of the legislative framework in relation to children and families, fostering and adoption, and relevance to the placement setting.
* Understanding of current social work theory and research and its application in practice.
* Strong case‑management skills – able to manage a complex caseload and work at an appropriate level of independence.
* Ability to assess needs and risks and formulate plans based on best welfare outcomes.
* Ability to make effective decisions and adhere to agreed lines of accountability.
* Effective communication skills and ability to work in partnership with service users, colleagues and other agencies.
* Commitment to anti‑discriminatory practice.
* Reflective practitioner, able to develop one’s own professional practice.
* Excellent written reporting and analytical skills.
* Excellent recording and time‑management skills.
Essential Experience
* Experience or willingness to learn electronic systems such as Liquid Logic and the CAMHS Electronic Patient Record (PARIS).
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Professional Registration
Applicants must hold current UK professional registration. Further information can be found on the NHS Careers website.
Remuneration and Contract
Salary: £50,269 to £53,460 per year.
Contract: Permanent. Working pattern: Full‑time.
Location
Unity House, Civic Centre, Chorley Road, Swinton, Greater Manchester, M27 5AW.
Reference Number
F0070-25-0000
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