At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to deliver high-quality support for children and families.
- Company: Join a dedicated organisation focused on child welfare and community support.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, wellbeing support, and discounts at over 900 retailers.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification and experience in children's services required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
We're seeking a dedicated and motivated Team Manager to lead our Kinship & Special Guardianship Order Support (SGO) and Private Fostering Team. Whether you are a current Team Manager within the wider Children’s Social Care services or are currently working at an Advanced Practitioner level, this is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen and expand your managerial experience. As Team Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering high‑quality services – overseeing support for kinship carers and private fostering assessments, and ensuring that children and young people receive the safe, stable and nurturing care they deserve. You'll have real scope to shape and grow your leadership style while driving service improvements and empowering your team to reach their full potential. From overseeing service delivery and embedding best practice, to leading team development and ensuring statutory responsibilities are met, you’ll gain broad, hands‑on management experience in a dynamic and highly rewarding environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the SGO Support and Private Fostering teams, ensuring high‑quality support, assessments and service delivery.
- Champion child‑centred practice for kinship carers, SGO families and private fostering arrangements.
- Manage, support and develop a team of social workers and family practitioners.
- Work collaboratively with families, carers and multi‑agency partners to ensure needs are met and support is accessible.
- Oversee effective assessment, support planning, and the management of resources and budgets.
- Be a strong advocate for children and young people, modelling high‑quality practice and ensuring work is delivered in line with statutory responsibilities.
- Champion restorative approaches and foster a reflective, collaborative team culture.
- Support the development of others through coaching, mentoring and on‑the‑job learning, promoting a culture where reflection drives the best outcomes for children and families.
Qualifications
- Social work qualification and Social Work England registration.
- Significant experience in children’s services, particularly in fostering, kinship care or SGOs.
- Proven leadership and management experience.
- Strong understanding of the legal framework for kinship care, SGOs and private fostering.
- Excellent communication, relationship‑building and problem‑solving skills.
- Experience managing budgets and resources effectively.
- Strong written and verbal communication, with excellent recording and planning skills.
- Ability to build effective professional relationships across services.
- Sound knowledge of relevant legislation, models and theories in children’s social work, confidence and fluency in spoken English.
- A suitable DBS disclosure.
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave, with the option to purchase more.
- Free onsite parking.
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.
- Flexible working options, including hybrid working.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Discounts at 900+ retailers.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
Team Manager employer: Devon County Council
As a Team Manager in our Kinship & Special Guardianship Order Support team, you will thrive in a supportive and dynamic work environment that prioritises the well-being of children and families. We offer generous annual leave, flexible working options, and a strong commitment to employee development through coaching and mentoring, ensuring you have the tools to grow your leadership skills. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying benefits like free onsite parking and discounts at over 900 retailers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care sector, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to team management and child-centred practices. We recommend role-playing with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've empowered teams and driven service improvements. We want to see your passion for making a difference in children's lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the Team Manager role. We want to see how your background in children's services aligns with our mission at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:As a Team Manager, your leadership approach is key. Use your written application to demonstrate how you've empowered teams in the past and how you plan to foster a collaborative culture within our Kinship & SGO team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free of jargon. Highlight your achievements and experiences without overcomplicating things.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the legal frameworks surrounding kinship care, SGOs, and private fostering. Familiarise yourself with current best practices and be ready to discuss how you can implement these in your role as Team Manager.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you've empowered your team or driven service improvements, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Be Child-Centred
Demonstrate your commitment to child-centred practice by discussing how you've advocated for children and young people in previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you've collaborated with families and multi-agency partners to meet their needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the team's culture, challenges they face, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
