At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage high-quality social work practice for children and families.
- Company: Join Bedford Borough Council's passionate Children's Services team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive culture, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a rewarding role in a friendly, inclusive environment.
- 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 the delivery of high-quality social work practice across the Integrated Front Door (IFD), Assessment teams, and Bedford’s response to domestic abuse. The postholder will combine operational leadership with strategic workforce development to improve outcomes for children and families and ensure a strong pipeline of capable practitioners. They will also lead on the Families First Partnership government programme, support the implementation of multi-agency child protection reforms and make greater use of Family Group Decision Making.
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 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 Referral & Assessment 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 improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families, employees enjoy meaningful work that makes a real difference in the community. The friendly atmosphere and collaborative culture ensure that staff feel empowered and fulfilled in their roles, making it an ideal place for passionate social care professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager for Referral & Assessment in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social care, especially those who work at Bedford Borough Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in children's social care. Show us you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about current issues and legislation that affect the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions. We want to hear how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of managing high-quality social work practice and leading teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
When you're ready to apply, do it through our website! It’s straightforward, and you’ll get to showcase your CV and answer application questions that highlight your fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager for Referral & Assessment in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for children's services shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and families.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We’re looking for someone with strong leadership and social work expertise, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Answer Application Questions Thoughtfully:Take your time with the application questions. We want to hear your thoughts on current issues in social work and how you would approach them. This is your chance to show us your strategic thinking!
Apply Through Our Website:Once you’re ready, head over to our website to apply. It’s super straightforward – just create an account, upload your CV, and answer those application questions. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 in children's social care. Familiarise yourself with Bedford Borough Council’s approach to safeguarding and how they support families. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Manager for Referral & Assessment, you'll need to demonstrate your operational leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your strategic thinking and workforce development experience.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Inclusivity
Bedford Borough Council values a supportive culture where every voice matters. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered teamwork in previous roles. Share specific instances where you’ve encouraged collaboration and inclusivity within your team.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team dynamics, and the council's future plans for children's services. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
