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- Tasks: Lead the Quality Assurance Team to enhance children's social care services.
- Company: Join Herefordshire Council, a forward-thinking organization dedicated to improving social work practices.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, flexible working options, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a Social Work Degree, management experience, and a commitment to best practices.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 45500 - 61000 £ per year.
We are looking to recruit a fixed-term Service Manager for the Children’s Social Care Quality Assurance Team to cover staff absence within Herefordshire Council. The successful candidate will be working in an ambitious and improving service.
To be considered for this post, you will be a qualified, experienced social worker manager who is in embedded in good practice, and committed to the development of social workers’ practice. The Quality Assurance Service Manager will play a key role in driving our service improvement through the implementation of our quality assurance framework for determining how well we deliver our services and support to the children and families we help. This requires the Quality Assurance Service Manager to coordinate with managers and senior leaders on delivering the quality assurance activities such as monthly collaborative audits and moderations, service complaints and individual services’ audit programmes. If this post excites you and you feel you have the right skills, knowledge and experience, please apply.
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Social Work Degree or equivalent Social Work Qualification; current registration with Social Work England
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Staff management experience
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A commitment to working transparently; in partnership with children, families, and partner agencies in a restorative way
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Knowledge of childcare legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice research
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Analytical report writing skills and the capacity to support the development of others in this area
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Ability to make child centred, complex decisions, using evidence-based tools and analysis
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Experience of managing complaints in a restorative manner
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Ability to understand and demonstrate a commitment to equality and diversity
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Ability to use your own initiative as well as ability to work as part of a senior management team work
We welcome applicants whatever their personal characteristics or social identity. All requests for flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments will be considered.
A competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme, which includes:
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Service Manager starting salary: £55,594 – £61,655 per annum
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Market rate supplement: plus £5,000 per year
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Pension Scheme Enrolment in the Local Government (LGPS)
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Professional development: protected time and budget to support social workers develop themselves and their careers.
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Generous Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays. You can also purchase an additional 10 days per annum
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Flexible working: flexi-time, job-share, part-time hours and, in some instances, home working
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Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
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Payment of professional membership fees
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Pick your perks – our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits. This includes savings, cash back and discounts.
If you would like to discuss the position further please contact the Head of Service, Dylan Harrison at Dylan.harrison@herefordshire.gov.uk
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you would like to obtain details regarding feedback on your application please contact RecruitmentCYPD@herefordshire.gov.uk
Service Manager employer: Herefordshire Council
Contact Detail:
Herefordshire Council Recruiting Team
Dylan.harrison@herefordshire.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific quality assurance frameworks used in children's social care. Understanding these frameworks will help you demonstrate your ability to drive service improvement effectively during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Herefordshire Council, especially those in similar roles. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your past experience that showcase your commitment to child-centered decision-making and restorative practices. Being able to articulate these experiences will set you apart as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current childcare legislation and best practice research. This knowledge will not only help you in the interview but also show your dedication to continuous professional development in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Service Manager position. Familiarize yourself with the key aspects of the role, such as quality assurance frameworks and collaborative audits.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight your relevant experience in social work management, staff development, and quality assurance. Emphasize your qualifications, including your Social Work Degree and any additional certifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for improving social work practices and your commitment to child-centered decision-making. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
Highlight Your Commitment to Diversity: In your application, make sure to express your understanding and commitment to equality and diversity. Discuss how you have worked transparently and collaboratively with children, families, and partner agencies in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Herefordshire Council
✨Show Your Commitment to Quality Assurance
Make sure to highlight your experience with quality assurance frameworks and how you've implemented them in previous roles. Discuss specific examples of how you have driven service improvement through audits and feedback.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
As a Service Manager, you'll need to coordinate with various teams. Share your experiences in managing staff and how you've supported their development. Be prepared to discuss your approach to fostering a collaborative environment.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your decision-making skills, especially in complex situations involving children and families. Use evidence-based tools and analysis to explain your thought process in past scenarios.
✨Understand the Importance of Diversity and Inclusion
Discuss your commitment to equality and diversity in social work practice. Be ready to provide examples of how you've worked transparently and in partnership with diverse groups, ensuring that all voices are heard.
