Lead Social Worker (Sponsorship Available) At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Employer: Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Job Title: Lead Social Worker
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per annum
Job Type: Full-time
Closing Date: 02 February 2026

Job Summary

An experienced social worker is being recruited to lead the Social Work Team within the Manchester Foundation Trust Adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF) service.

The Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre (MACFC) is the regional Adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Centre for the North West. This is a unique post, as the successful candidate will be one of the leading CF social workers in the UK.

The post holder will be required to adhere to the professional standards and competencies set by Social Work England.

Main Duties of the Job

There are currently over 500 patients registered to the service.

The CF social workers are an integral member of a CF multidisciplinary team which includes consultants, psychologists, specialist nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, pharmacists, occupational therapists, and junior doctors.

The team provides both inpatient and outpatient care.

The CF service has evolved its care model to provide as much care as possible outside of the hospital setting by developing a homecare service. This allows all members of the multi-disciplinary team to visit patients at home, addressing a variety of issues.

Since the COVID pandemic, there has been widespread adoption of new technologies for remote monitoring and video consultations.

About Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) delivers care to over 1 million people every year with a workforce of over 30,000 staff.

MFT is the largest provider of specialist services and operates the Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe.

The Trust is forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation and continuous improvement.

The Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working to support improved patient outcomes.

MFT provides a collaborative multi-disciplinary working environment, bringing together professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds.

The Trust promotes professional development through clear clinical pathways and provides support to help staff grow skills and achieve ambitions.

MFT promotes a workplace where people are respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive while shaping the future of healthcare.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

Further details on key responsibilities, required skills, and experience are available within the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading.

Applicants are advised to read the Candidate Essentials Guide alongside the Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides information about the Trust, staff benefits, and outlines how care and wellbeing are supported.

The guide also contains important information to review before submitting an application form.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Applications

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust asks all applicants to ensure job applications reflect personal experiences, skills, and motivations.

AI tools may be used to support spelling, grammar, or formatting. However, the content of applications, including personal statements and role-specific responses, must be written by applicants.

This approach supports fairness, transparency, and equity throughout the recruitment process.

Diversity Matters

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, valuing diversity, and eliminating unlawful discrimination across the workforce.

Applications are encouraged from individuals of all backgrounds regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Support is available for applicants with special requirements during the recruitment process.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or equivalent in Social Work

• Registration with Social Work England

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualifications in Social Work or Social Work related subject area

Experience and Skills

Essential

• 5 years post qualifying experience in a range of practice settings

• Post qualifying experience supporting adults with complex health conditions or disabilities

• Knowledge of Social Work Theory and its application to loss, bereavement, and chronic illness

• Post qualifying experience within a Local Authority Adult Social Care setting

• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills when working with adults, families, and professionals

• Ability to work independently, accept accountability, and engage with management processes

• Skills and knowledge in social work intervention models and selecting appropriate approaches

• Knowledge of adult development

• Willingness to explore alternative service delivery approaches

• Understanding of social and emotional impact of illness, particularly respiratory illness

• Organisational and professional skills including assessment, advocacy, recording, report writing, time management, liaison, and communication

• Ability to write and deliver presentations, workshops, and training sessions

• Awareness of issues affecting vulnerable patients and families such as disadvantage, poverty, and disability

• Capacity to cope with illness and death

• Supervision skills and ability to develop practice standards

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. Disclosure and Barring Service checks will be required to assess any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from candidates requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside other applicants.

From 6 April 2017, Skilled Worker applicants applying for entry clearance must present criminal record certificates from countries resided in for 12 months or more during the past 10 years. Adult dependants over 18 years are also subject to this requirement.

UK Registration

Applicants must hold current UK professional registration. Further guidance is available through NHS Careers.

How to Apply

If this opportunity interests you, head to the company’s official website for full details — click here to submit your application.