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- Tasks: Lead a team to find safe homes for vulnerable children and young adults.
- Company: Join Kent County Council, dedicated to improving lives in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's services and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Interviews include a presentation and a Young Persons panel.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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Service Manager – Total Placement Service, London
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Client:
Kent County Council
Location:
London, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
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EU work permit required:
Yes
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Job Reference:
36d59e666924
Job Views:
7
Posted:
12.08.2025
Expiry Date:
26.09.2025
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Job Description:
Role Responsibility
Do you want to be an instrumental leader in Kent finding safe and loving homes and services for children, young people and care experienced adults?
An exceptionally exciting opportunity has arisen within the Children, Young People and Education Directorate that will interest anyone with an ambition of balancing the safety and security of vulnerable children with the complexity of achieving best value from social care markets. Applications from Qualified Social Workers will be welcomed.
The Total Placement Service sources placements and services for children in care, children on the edge of care, and care leavers. Leading a team of 25 staff, you will be responsible in ensuring that homes for these children, young people and adults provide stability, ensuring their needs are met and help them to achieve their aspirations. If successful, you will be part of the Childrens Commissioning Unit Management Team, as well as part of the Corporate Parenting Management Team receiving regular supervision to aid your professional development along with a range of training opportunities.
The post is varied and interesting working across a range of directorates and partner organisations to develop with these key stakeholders a service that is flexible, agile and responsive.
To be eligible for the post you will need to possess the following qualifications, skills and experience:
- Extensive experience of working in Childrens services with an in depth knowledge of the legal and regulatory frameworks
- Experience of working at a senior level
- Proven track record of successful negotiation and commercial acumen
- Experience of working across multiple organisations
- Proven track record of leading and motivating teams through clear vision
- Be self motivated and ambitious, driven to deliver the very best service
Kent County Council is committed to a hybrid working model with a flexible working offer, with regular attendance to work from our Maidstone office required.
The closing date is 11.59pm on 17 August 2025.
Interviews will take place in person week commencing 25 August 2025 at Kroner House, Ashford. There will be a requirement to undertake psychometric testing as well as delivering a short presentation at the start of your interview. Candidates will be advised of the topic prior to the interview to present to the panel. There will also be a Young Persons panel as part of the interview process.
If you are interested, please apply as soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.
This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.
This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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Service Manager - Total Placement Service employer: Kent County Council
Contact Detail:
Kent County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager - Total Placement Service
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the legal and regulatory frameworks surrounding children's services. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and understanding of the complexities involved.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the psychometric testing by researching common types of assessments used in social care roles. Practising these tests can help you feel more confident and perform better on the day.
✨Tip Number 3
Think about your leadership style and how you can motivate a team of 25 staff. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with current trends and challenges in children's services, especially those relevant to Kent County Council. This will allow you to contribute meaningfully to discussions during your interview and show that you're proactive about the sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager - Total Placement Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Service Manager position. Highlight key aspects such as leadership, negotiation skills, and experience in children's services.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience and skills that align with the job requirements. Emphasise your leadership roles, experience in children's services, and any successful projects you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with children and young people. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and negotiate effectively within social care markets.
Prepare for the Interview: Anticipate the interview format, including psychometric testing and a presentation. Prepare a short presentation on a relevant topic and practice answering potential questions about your experience and vision for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Service Manager. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the role, especially in leading teams and working within children's services.
✨Prepare for the Presentation
Since you'll need to deliver a short presentation at the start of your interview, take time to prepare. Research the topic provided beforehand and structure your presentation clearly, focusing on how it relates to the needs of vulnerable children and young people.
✨Engage with the Young Persons Panel
Expect to interact with a Young Persons panel during the interview process. Show genuine interest in their perspectives and be ready to discuss how you would involve young people in decision-making processes related to their care.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led and motivated teams in the past. Highlight your negotiation skills and commercial acumen, as these are crucial for achieving the best outcomes in social care markets.
