5306252 – Service Manager Children’S Services

Work Pattern: 37 per week , Mon – Fri

PAYE Pay Rate: Around £360 per day PAYE

Main Purpose of the Role

To lead and manage the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective children’s social care services, ensuring the needs of children, young people and their families are met. The role involves managing social work teams, overseeing casework and safeguarding practice, managing budgets and resources, and developing effective partnerships with external agencies to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage social work teams, allocating workloads and ensuring effective service delivery.
• Oversee assessments, care planning, case reviews and social work interventions to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and safeguarding standards.
• Develop and implement service plans, policies and procedures in line with legislation, statutory guidance and local priorities.
• Provide professional supervision, guidance and support to staff, promoting high standards of practice and staff wellbeing.
• Manage service budgets, monitor expenditure and ensure financial regulations and value-for-money requirements are met.
• Monitor service performance using statistical data, management information and performance reports.
• Ensure case management systems, processes and records are maintained effectively and comply with relevant legislation.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies, including police, schools, health services and voluntary organisations.
• Commission external services and monitor contracts to ensure quality, effectiveness and value for money.
• Develop multi-agency approaches to risk assessment, child protection and safeguarding.
• Represent the service at local, regional and national meetings and forums.
• Promote continuous improvement, effective leadership and positive outcomes for children, young people and their families.

Essential Requirements

• Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent.
• Recognised postgraduate social work qualification.
• Current HCPC registration, as specified in the job description.
• Extensive experience as a practising social work professional, including managing large-scale and multidisciplinary social work teams.
• Strong knowledge of child protection, safeguarding, risk management and statutory social care requirements.
• Detailed understanding of childcare legislation, statutory guidance and child protection procedures.
• Experience of multi-agency and partnership working.
• Experience managing service budgets and delegated financial responsibilities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce detailed reports and communicate complex or sensitive information.
• Ability to provide specialist advice, guidance and supervision on social work practice.
• Strong negotiation, mediation, influencing and conflict-resolution skills.
• Experience managing case management systems, information processes and associated policies and procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant databases.
• Resilience and the ability to manage emotionally demanding situations and high-risk cases professionally.
• Full UK driving license, access to a vehicle and appropriate business-use insurance.
• Flexibility to travel throughout the borough and a commitment to safeguarding children.