At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to deliver exceptional social work services for children and families.
- Company: Join Kent County Council, rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, in a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and collaborative setting.
- 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:
- 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.
Lead Children's Social Work & Safeguarding 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 Team based in Ashford. With a strong commitment to employee development and a focus on high-quality service delivery, KCC provides exceptional opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. Join a team where your leadership can truly influence positive outcomes in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Children's Social Work & Safeguarding Manager in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who are already at KCC or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your safeguarding knowledge and leadership skills. Think of real-life examples where you've made a difference in children's lives – this will show your passion and expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job alerts! Keep an eye on our website for any new opportunities and apply directly. This shows initiative and can help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your fit for the position!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Children's Social Work & Safeguarding 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 – we love a good success story!
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 too much information.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 their services. 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 ask how you would handle complex multi-agency situations. Prepare by thinking through potential scenarios and your approach to managing risks and ensuring compliance. This will demonstrate your analytical and decision-making skills.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with KCC’s goals and values. During the interview, express how your vision aligns with theirs, particularly in terms of improving outcomes for children and families. This connection can set you apart from other candidates.
