At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to improve outcomes for children in care.
- Company: Join Havering's dedicated team focused on safeguarding and corporate parenting.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, a supportive environment, and a commitment to improvement.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting improvement journey with strong leadership support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping service improvements.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised Social Work qualification and experience managing social care teams.
The predicted salary is between 59511 - 63966 € per year.
Service: Starting Well – Safeguarding & Corporate Parenting
Grade: G10- £59511- £63966pa
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and inspirational Team Manager to lead a Children in Care / Looked After Children social work team within our Safeguarding and Corporate Parenting Service. Reporting to a Service Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operational leadership of the team, ensuring high-quality, child-centred and relationship-based social work practice that delivers improved outcomes for children and young people in our care. Team Managers are integral to our service. You will provide support, challenge and direction, motivating social workers and promoting consistent, high-quality practice in line with legislation, guidance and local priorities. You will be required to attend the office for three days per week.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a statutory Children in Care social work team
- Ensure effective delivery of services in line with legislation, statutory guidance and best practice
- Provide high-quality supervision, appraisal and professional development
- Promote systemic, relationship-based and face-to-face practice
- Ensure robust recording, care planning and permanence planning, evidencing the voice of the child
- Chair and attend multi-disciplinary meetings and reviews
- Manage performance, workloads and delegated budgets
- Work collaboratively with internal and external partner agencies
- Contribute to service development alongside the Service Manager and Head of Service, escalating issues and risks as required
About You
You will hold a recognised Social Work qualification, be registered with Social Work England, and have experience of managing statutory children’s social care teams. You will demonstrate strong knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory responsibilities, with a proven ability to lead, supervise and motivate staff within a systemic model of practice. Experience of working with Children in Care is desirable.
Our Improvement Journey
Following a recent Ofsted inspection, we are undertaking a significant improvement journey to re-establish and strengthen high-quality practice across Children’s Services in Havering. We are looking for committed and resilient leaders motivated to improve services, promote children’s wellbeing, and contribute confidently to sustainable service improvement.
What We Offer
- A 10-day learning and development offer each year
- Access to our Social Care Academy and Systemic Practice framework
- Strong senior leadership commitment to improvement
- A supportive environment focused on professional development and reflective practice
If you are ready to play a pivotal role in shaping our improvement journey and delivering positive outcomes for children and young people, we encourage you to apply.
Please view Job Profile here
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact kate.rubenach@havering.gov.uk
The closing date for the receipt of applications is 25/5/26 however interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early. You will be notified if your application has been successful. Interview date to be confirmed.
Should you require any help or advice with your online application, please contact the Recruitment Helpdesk on 01708 432770
Additional Information
We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.
The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role. We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
Team Manager Children in Care in Romford employer: Borough of Havering
Havering is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for social care professionals. With a strong commitment to professional development, including a 10-day learning offer and access to the Social Care Academy, employees are empowered to grow and excel in their roles. The culture prioritises collaboration and high-quality practice, making it an ideal place for those passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people in care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager Children in Care in Romford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might know about opportunities in Children in Care. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of relevant legislation and best practices in social work. We want you to showcase your expertise and passion for improving outcomes for children and young people during those crucial conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your leadership skills! When discussing your experience, focus on how you've motivated teams and driven high-quality practice. This is key for a Team Manager role, so let your achievements shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager Children in Care in Romford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for working with children in care shine through. We want to see your commitment to improving their lives and how your experience aligns with our mission.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how you meet the specific criteria outlined in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their skills directly to what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and qualifications without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and makes the process smoother for you.
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Havering
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the relevant legislation and statutory responsibilities related to children in care. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you understand how they impact practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage effectively.
✨Emphasise Relationship-Based Practice
Be ready to talk about your approach to relationship-based social work. Share experiences where you’ve built strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues, and how this has led to positive outcomes.
✨Prepare for Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration
Since the role involves working with various partner agencies, think of examples where you’ve collaborated across disciplines. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve navigated different perspectives to achieve common goals.
