Social Worker; Maternity Cover

Social Worker (Maternity Cover) - Manchester

Social Worker (Maternity Cover) - Manchester

Today, 12 children and young people will be diagnosed with cancer. We’ll stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.

• Hours:
  
  35
• Contract Type:
  Temporary (maternity leave cover from January 2027 for up to 12 months)
• Location:
  
  Hybrid working part-time home and between the Christie and Manchester Children’s Hospital
• Closing Date: 18/9/26
• Interview Date: w/c 28/9/26

Change lives in a life-changing career

When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.

The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.

We challenge the systems and policies that surround children and young people, we highlight gaps and campaign for change. Because we know what a better future could look like. And we know what we need to do to make that future a reality. We need to push harder, reach further and work smarter. And we need the right people on our team to help us get there.

People like you.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Social Worker to join our Manchester Team supporting children and young people diagnosed with cancer.

We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality support tailored to the needs of the children and young people and their families. The work we do is rewarding but also complex and demanding. You will be part of a close-knit Young Lives vs Cancer social work team, working with established NHS multi-disciplinary teams and services in the community.

This role is hybrid working requiring two to three days per week to be hospital based. Your contractual base will be both Home and Hospital.

This role is also subject to a Social Worker Registration.

No two days are the same at Young Lives vs Cancer. So, summarising your ‘day to day’ isn’t easy. Here are some of the main things you’ll be doing, but you’ll find more details in the job description.

• You will be committed to change making and delivering high-quality social work support to promote the best outcomes for the children, young people and families we work with.
• You will assess needs and develop an action plan, you will need to be curious, creative, resourceful, courageous and resilient.
• You will have a positive attitude and be willing to embrace difference.
• You will need a willingness to work collaboratively with the wider Young Lives vs Cancer team; you will actively engage with the work of the charity and welcome opportunities to get involved.

The key skills we’re looking for in this role are:

• A recognised Social Worker qualification and current registration with Social Work England/ Scottish Social Services Council/Social Care Wales/Northern Ireland Social Care Council
• Experience working with children, young people and their families/carers in a social care setting.
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment, ideally in an NHS setting.
• Sound knowledge of child and young people development.
• An understanding of the impact of serious illness for children, young people and their families.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s…