At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the Children in Care and Adoption service with strategic vision and operational expertise.
- Company: Wigan Council, committed to diversity and creating a positive work culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team dedicated to fostering positivity and accountability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in children's social care and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 61000 - 66000 £ per year.
Location: Wigan, WN1 1NJ
Salary: Competitive
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Closing Date: 07/03/2026
Priority Candidates will be considered in the first instance.
Wigan Life Centre South Salary: Grade 14, £61,706 - £66,043 per annum, 37 hours per week.
We are on a journey to build a workforce reflective of our Borough and are committed to fostering diverse teams where everybody can bring their authentic selves to work and feel that they belong.
A rare and exciting opportunity to shape the future of the Children in Care and Adoption service. You will bring strategic vision, operational expertise, and a commitment to relational, child-centred practice. You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, be able to prepare high-quality reports, confidently represent the service, engage with stakeholders, and provide clear direction to your team. You will guide a passionate, skilled team to ensure children and young people receive the stability, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.
We are seeking an exceptional, values-driven Service Manager to take this vital service into its next chapter.
Responsibilities- Provide strategic leadership for the Children in Care and Adoption service, including development and ongoing improvement of child-centred practice.
- Lead a team to motivate, shape, and grow high-performing, values-driven teams.
- Prepare high-quality reports and represent the service to stakeholders with clear direction to the team.
- Champion corporate parenting principles and ensure the highest standards of support across the service.
- Collaborate with partners and communities across the borough to deliver outcomes for children and families.
- Warm, positive, and genuinely passionate about supporting children, young people, and the teams who work with them.
- Resilient under pressure, able to build trust, and foster a culture where staff feel valued and motivated.
- Proven leadership in children's social care, especially within children in care services, with strong strategic and operational capabilities.
- Ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams and promote outstanding, child-centred practice.
Wigan Council has a culture that fosters positivity, courage, accountability, and kindness. Flexible working patterns may be available where the service can accommodate, and a blended approach to working (home, office, or community) may apply. The council is committed to safeguarding and to creating fair opportunities for all children, families, residents, and businesses.
Additional information- Interview date: 5 March 2026
- Enhanced Disclosure Procedures and relevant checks applicable
- Right to work in the UK is required; the council notes it is not currently a licensed sponsor
- Selection materials and disclosures will be provided by the employer
Service Manager Children in Care and Adoption in Wigan employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Wigan Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees and the community. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements and professional development, we empower our staff to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. Join us in shaping the future of children's services in a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager Children in Care and Adoption in Wigan
✨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 Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd.
✨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 Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd!
✨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 Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd, 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 Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd 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 Children in Care and Adoption in Wigan
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 Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd! 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 Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨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.
