At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support children and families in critical court decisions.
- Company: Empowering organisation dedicated to children's welfare and diversity.
- Benefits: Wellbeing support, professional development, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Expertise in social work and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44962 £ per year.
We are recruiting for the role of Service Manager in our team covering the Birmingham area. We trust and empower colleagues to work in a hybrid way, providing the resources, equipment, and support, so that individually and collectively, we can be the voice of children and young people when the family court makes critical decisions about their futures.
Whilst this role is part of a team based from our office in Birmingham, our teams work flexibly and remotely; your proximity to the office doesn’t always have to be a critical consideration. We are a diverse, inclusive organisation that is a safe space for colleagues with shared aspects of identity and lived experience, which helps ensure we provide a service that promotes the diversity and uniqueness of children and families from all backgrounds. We especially welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds as we strive to ensure our workforce reflects the diversity of the children and families we work with.
We provide extensive wellbeing support for colleagues, as well as excellent benefits, all of which we hope encourages you to join us.
Responsibilities
Being a Service Manager is very rewarding but, as you would expect, challenging too. As well as being registered with Social Work England, you’ll be organised, resilient, empathetic, supportive, and able to work independently. In Work After First Hearing teams, Family Court Advisers – which is what we call our Social Workers – typically have a mixed Public and Private Law caseload. In Public Law, this will include them telling the court about the child’s journey and experiences and explaining their wishes and feelings, while also carrying out independent enquiries, scrutinising the work of the Local Authority, and representing the child in court, alongside their appointed solicitor.
In Private Law, Family Court Advisers are involved where families require the assistance of the court to agree on the best child arrangements for the child(ren) involved. Family Court Advisers are typically involved with children for a period of assessment for the court, undertaking direct work with children, gaining their views and wishes, and representing these to the court via written reports and giving evidence and advocating for arrangements that are in their best interests. This will draw on robust risk assessment and mediation skills.
Qualifications
- Expert knowledge of children’s social work, including safeguarding, statutory and assessment frameworks
- A track record of highly effective practice management or supervisory experience
- Demonstrable experience of being a practice educator with the skills to continuously monitor, manage, develop and improve team and individual performance
- Proven ability to establish strong and effective networks with other agencies
- Experience of leading individuals and teams through change
Benefits and Pre‑engagement Checks
We provide extensive wellbeing support for colleagues and a range of benefits to support your professional and personal development. Successful applicants will be subject to a range of pre‑engagement checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS). In accordance with the DBS code of practice and our own policy, should an individual have a declared criminal offence, an individual assessment will be completed. Further information on what the assessment covers can be found by viewing the Cafcass DBS policy.
Service Manager in Birmingham employer: Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service)
Cafcass is an exceptional employer that prioritises the welfare of children and families while fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer numerous growth opportunities for social workers, alongside a flexible hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance in the vibrant North East region. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families, while enjoying a culture that values your contributions and professional growth.
Contact Details:
Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager in Birmingham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service).
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service)!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service), will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service):Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service)! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service)
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
