At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to ensure high-quality social work for children and families.
- Company: Join Kent County Council, rated 'Outstanding' for its supportive and innovative environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of children's services and drive positive change in your community.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with strong leadership and safeguarding experience.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 € per year.
Connect2Kent exclusively recruits on behalf of Kent County Council (KCC), supporting them in hiring exceptional Social Work professionals across the county. With an Ofsted rating of 'Outstanding', KCC offers an inspiring, supportive, and forward‑thinking environment where leaders can genuinely influence practice and outcomes for children and families.
We are seeking a passionate, strategic, and experienced Service Manager to join the Children's Social Work Team based in Ashford, on a temporary basis. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated leader ready to take the next step in their career within one of the UK's most respected Children's Services.
Job Purpose:
- As the Service Manager for Children's Social Work Team, you will be directly accountable for:
- Ensuring high quality social work assessment and intervention
- Leading safeguarding practice and managing risk effectively
- Driving a culture of excellence across Children in Need and Safeguarding services
- Overseeing service delivery for children on the edge of care or entering care
- Ensuring compliance with legislation, policy, and statutory requirements
- Working collaboratively with multi‑agency partners to deliver integrated services
- Managing budgets, resources, and performance across the district
- Supporting recruitment, development, and retention of social work staff
- Representing the service at key strategic and multi‑agency forums
- Contributing to early intervention strategies and preventative work
- Preparing annual business plans and delivering against agreed targets
This is a pivotal leadership role where your decisions, vision, and professional expertise will directly shape outcomes for children and families across the district.
What We're Looking For
- You will be a qualified Social Worker with:
- Significant experience in Children's Social Care
- Strong leadership and management capability
- A proven track record of delivering high quality safeguarding practice
- Confidence in managing complex multi‑agency environments
- Excellent communication, analytical, and decision making skills
- The ability to inspire, motivate, and develop teams
- A commitment to continuous improvement and outstanding service delivery
Connect2Kent is a trading style of Commercial Services Kent LTD - A company wholly owned by Kent County Council. Connect2Kent is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Children's Social Work Service Manager in Ashford employer: Connect2Kent
Kent County Council (KCC) is an outstanding employer that fosters a supportive and innovative work culture, particularly for those in the Children's Social Work sector. Located in Ashford, this role offers exceptional opportunities for professional growth and development, allowing leaders to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. With a commitment to excellence and collaboration, KCC provides a dynamic environment where your expertise can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Social Work Service Manager in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching KCC and their outstanding practices. Familiarise yourself with their values and recent initiatives. We want you to shine in interviews, so practice answering common questions and think about how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews or networking, share specific examples of how you've led teams or improved services in your previous roles. We believe that demonstrating your impact can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you throughout the process, so take advantage of the resources we offer to help you succeed.
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Social Work Service Manager in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in children's social care. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Service Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your leadership and safeguarding expertise!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive excellence in social work practice. Use metrics or examples to illustrate how you've positively impacted children and families in your previous positions.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your passion for the role shines through without overwhelming us with unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with Kent County Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Kent
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest legislation and policies related to children's social care. Brush up on KCC's Ofsted rating and what it means for service delivery. This shows your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams and driving safeguarding practices. Think about specific situations where you’ve inspired or developed your team, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life scenarios related to safeguarding and multi-agency collaboration. Practise how you would handle complex cases, manage risks, and ensure compliance. This will demonstrate your analytical and decision-making skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, challenges they face, and their vision for the future. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals and values.
