At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage services for children with disabilities and complex needs.
- Company: Join Bedford Borough Council's passionate Children's Services team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive culture, and rewarding work environment.
- Other info: Enjoy a friendly atmosphere where teamwork and every voice matters.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with strategic management experience.
The predicted salary is between 64868 - 72562 € per year.
It’s an exciting time to join Bedford Borough Council’s Children's Services. We want every child in Bedford Borough to be safe and to achieve their potential. We support families in this aim and where necessary act as a Corporate Parent to promote good outcomes for the more vulnerable children and young people from birth through to their 25th birthday. We believe that every family can be supported through evidenced-based approaches to build on their own strengths so they can support themselves. We aim to achieve this by providing access to high-quality, evidenced-based interventions which ensure all children, young people and their families get the right support and action at the right time. We’re a friendly, supportive, passionate team. Our commitment to creating positive outcomes is second to none, our young people actively help shape the service. What truly sets us apart is our inclusive and supportive culture, where teamwork is celebrated and every voice matters. Our Children’s Services team is known for its welcoming atmosphere and impactful work - staff consistently say how rewarding and fulfilling it is to be part of such a dedicated team.
Following a restructure, we are looking for a suitably qualified and experienced individual to:
- Lead and manage services for children and young people with disabilities and complex needs, ensuring they receive high-quality, person-centred support.
- Lead and oversee the management of residential homes in Bedford Borough that provide long term, short breaks and respite care for children and young people with special educational needs, physical disabilities and/or complex health needs.
- Oversee general management and administrative supporting functions of all short break services residential care and commissioned support.
The successful applicant will be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England. They will also have in-depth knowledge of current issues and latest legislation relating to all services covered by this role, and significant strategic management/service planning experience at a senior level.
When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to create an account, upload a CV showing you meet the requirements of the role, and answer some application questions.
Closing Date: 11th June 2026
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If successful you will be required to declare any spent & unspent convictions, adult cautions (simple or conditional) that are not 'protected' as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 & 2020).
The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of:
- a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving)
- a local government pension (Senior Officers only)
FTE Salary: £64,868 - £72,562
Work Pattern: Monday to Friday, 37 hours
Is this an enhanced DBS role? Yes
Is this a politically restricted role? No
Is this a customer facing role which requires a fluent English Speaker? Yes
Location: Bedfordshire, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP
Is this a designated car user position? Yes
Manager for Parenting Together (Permanence & Specialist Services) in Bedford employer: Bedford Borough Council
Bedford Borough Council's Children's Services is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member's contributions are valued. With a strong focus on professional development and a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable children and families, employees enjoy meaningful work alongside passionate colleagues. The council's emphasis on teamwork and evidence-based practices ensures that staff can thrive while helping to shape vital services in Bedfordshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager for Parenting Together (Permanence & Specialist Services) in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social care, especially those who work with children and families. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Bedford Borough Council’s initiatives. Show us you’re passionate about supporting vulnerable children and families, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially when discussing your management experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our supportive team at Bedford Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager for Parenting Together (Permanence & Specialist Services) in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Manager for Parenting Together. Highlight your relevant experience in social care, especially with children and young people with disabilities and complex needs. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Passion:In your application, let your passion for supporting families and children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles. We love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference!
Answer Application Questions Thoughtfully:When you get to the application questions, take your time to answer them thoughtfully. Use this opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of current issues in children's services and how you can contribute to our team. We appreciate detailed and reflective responses!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy – just create an account, upload your CV, and fill out the application questions. We’re looking forward to seeing your application and hopefully welcoming you to our friendly team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedford Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest legislation and current issues related to children's social care. Being well-versed in these topics will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed services in the past. Highlight your experience with person-centred support and how you've made a positive impact on vulnerable children and families.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since the role involves working within a supportive team, be ready to discuss how you value collaboration. Share instances where you've worked effectively with others to achieve common goals, especially in challenging situations.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking insightful questions about the team culture or specific challenges the service is currently facing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
