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- Tasks: Lead a team supporting care-experienced young people and ensure their safety and development.
- Company: Join a values-led service in Southwark dedicated to improving lives of looked after children.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, home options, a local government pension, and various staff perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working in a supportive, family-like environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in social care, strong communication skills, and a passion for youth advocacy.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for specific groups; commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 52000 £ per year.
Job Description
The Role
Do you see yourself leading a high-performing team dedicated to supporting care-experienced young people?
Can you use your leadership and safeguarding expertise to shape better futures for Southwark’s looked after children and care leavers?
Does the idea of working in a strong, values-led service committed to systemic and relationship-based practice inspire you?
If yes, we have the perfect role for you!
Our Children’s Services is looking for a passionate and dedicated Team Manager to join our amazing Care Leavers & Looked After Children team and help make a difference today.
About the Role:
As Team Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to a team of caseworkers supporting looked after children and care leavers. In a fast-paced and collaborative environment, your key responsibilities will include:
- Safeguarding and risk management in partnership with professionals across agencies
- Driving best practice to ensure young people feel safe, secure, and supported to thrive in adulthood
- Setting clear standards and expectations of corporate parenting
- Ensuring effective supervision, case oversight, and outcomes-focused planning
About You:
We’re looking for someone with proven leadership, strong values, and a commitment to high-quality care. You will bring:
- Substantial experience in a social care leadership role
- Strong supervisory and team development skills
- Expertise in safeguarding and risk management
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
- A passion for young people and improving life outcomes
- The ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners
- A focus on accountability, progress tracking, and building team capacity
About the Team:
You’ll join a welcoming and experienced team that’s proud of our impact and culture. Our service was rated “Good” by Ofsted in all areas, with young people describing us as a “special council” that “feels like family.”
We’re supported by:
- Experienced Practitioners with expertise in housing, youth support, substance misuse, EET, and more
- Clinical professionals who promote reflective practice and continuous learning
- Strong, visible leadership and a shared commitment to holding each other to account
- A high support, high challenge ethos where children’s voices drive our practice
If you are ready to lead with integrity, purpose and ambition for children’s futures – we encourage you to apply today.
For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.
Contact Information:
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Khalida Khan via email .uk.
Additional Information:
This post requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) DBS check at Enhanced level.
Benefits and more information:
In your role, we want you to feel supported, challenged and rewarded. You will benefit from our family-friendly policies including flexible working, home working, and a local government pension scheme, plus many other staff benefits. You will join a motivated, driven and supportive team that strives for excellence and values its members. You will also be part of a successful and high-achieving development team that is making a real difference to the lives of residents in the borough. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Staff Benefits page.
Recruitment timetable
Advert close date: 11:59pm on 24th August 2025
Shortlisting date/s: w/c 25th August 2025
Interview date/s: w/c 1st September 2025
The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme:
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
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Attachments
- Team-Manager-JD-and-PS-Oct-2020.pdf
Team Manager - Care Leavers & Looked After Children employer: Southwark Council
Contact Detail:
Southwark Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager - Care Leavers & Looked After Children
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by care leavers and looked after children. Understanding their unique needs will help you demonstrate your commitment to improving their life outcomes during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in social care and related fields. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others who share your passion for supporting young people, as these connections can lead to valuable insights and opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the values of the organisation. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments, particularly in safeguarding and risk management.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the current initiatives and practices within Southwark’s Children’s Services. Being knowledgeable about their recent achievements and challenges will show your genuine interest and readiness to contribute positively to the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager - Care Leavers & Looked After Children
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Team Manager position. Highlight your relevant experience in leadership, safeguarding, and working with care-experienced young people.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. Emphasise your supervisory and team development skills, as well as your commitment to high-quality care.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting young people and improving their life outcomes. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your leadership and communication abilities.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention any relevant qualifications or certifications related to social care and safeguarding. This will strengthen your application and show your commitment to professional development in this field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Show Your Passion for Young People
Make sure to express your genuine passion for supporting care-experienced young people during the interview. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to improving their life outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of your previous leadership roles, focusing on how you have successfully managed teams and driven best practices. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Highlight Safeguarding Expertise
Since safeguarding is a key responsibility, be prepared to discuss your experience in risk management and safeguarding practices. Provide concrete examples of how you've ensured the safety and well-being of young people in your care.
✨Emphasise Collaborative Working
Discuss your ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including internal teams and external partners. Highlight any successful partnerships you've built and how they contributed to positive outcomes for young people.
