At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage high-quality social work practice for families in need.
- Company: Join Bedford Borough Council's passionate Children's Services team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive culture, and impactful work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- 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.
Location: Bedfordshire, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP
- 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
- Is this a designated car user position? Yes
Manager for Social Work Practice (Families First) 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 work professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager for Social Work Practice (Families First) in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work or related fields. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people from Bedford Borough Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Bedford Borough Council’s Children’s Services and their recent initiatives. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do a mock interview with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence when it’s time for the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager for Social Work Practice (Families First) in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Manager for Social Work Practice. Highlight your relevant experience in social work and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to support families and improve outcomes for children.
Showcase Your Passion:In your application, let your passion for social work shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in children's lives or supported families. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely committed to making a positive impact.
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 social work and how you plan to lead and manage effectively within our team.
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 excited to see your application and hopefully welcome 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 in social work, especially those related to children's services. Being well-versed in these topics will show that you're not just qualified but also genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Manager for Social Work Practice, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams or projects, particularly in challenging situations.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Inclusivity
Since the role values a supportive culture, be ready to discuss how you foster teamwork and inclusivity in your previous roles. Share specific instances where you encouraged collaboration and made sure every voice was heard.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them, particularly regarding multi-agency child protection reforms.
