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 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 one of the UK's top children's services.
- Why this job: Be a strategic leader influencing positive outcomes for children in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work management and a passion for safeguarding children.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € 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
Children's Social Work Service Manager in Kent employer: Connect2Kent
Kent County Council (KCC) is an outstanding employer that fosters a supportive and innovative work culture, empowering leaders to make a real difference in the lives of children and families. Located in Ashford, KCC offers exceptional professional development opportunities, a collaborative environment, and the chance to be part of a highly respected Children’s Services team dedicated to safeguarding and improving outcomes for vulnerable children. Join us to advance your career while contributing to meaningful change in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Social Work Service Manager in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with Kent County Council. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching KCC's values and recent initiatives. We want to see how you can align your experience with their outstanding practices and contribute to their mission of supporting children and families.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven excellence in previous roles. We love hearing about your strategic thinking and how you've managed risks effectively.
✨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 every step of the way in landing that dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Social Work Service Manager in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Service Manager. We want to see how your skills can directly impact the Children’s Social Work Team and contribute to the outstanding service KCC is known for.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for social work shine through in your written application. We’re looking for someone who is not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your achievements and experiences. We appreciate clarity, and it helps us understand your qualifications better!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with KCC.
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 work. 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 experience in leading teams and driving change. Think about specific situations where you’ve influenced practice or improved outcomes for children and families. Be ready to discuss how you manage risk and ensure safeguarding.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since the role involves working with multi-agency partners, come prepared with examples of successful collaborations. Talk about how you’ve built relationships and integrated services in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a team.
✨Budgeting Brilliance
Be ready to discuss your experience with managing budgets and resources. Prepare to explain how you’ve optimised performance while ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. This will show that you can handle the financial aspects of the role confidently.
