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- Tasks: Manage day-to-day operations of the Youth Partnership Service to support children and families.
- Company: Join a leading public-sector provider committed to diversity and equal opportunity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work with diverse teams.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work or equivalent with experience in children's services.
We're looking for a Practice Manager - Children's Services for a local government client in Luton, Bedfordshire. To provide effective management of the day-to-day operations and service delivery of the Youth Partnership Service, to achieve the best outcomes for children, young people, families and victims and protect the public from serious harm. Offer supervision and support to staff based within the Service and ensure the work of the Service is carried out in accordance with legal requirements, local policies, national standards and best professional practice.
Responsibilities
- Provide caseload management and individual practice support to staff across the service, in line with professional standards, to ensure effective oversight of high-risk cases regarding risk of serious harm and vulnerability.
- Make effective decisions and recommendations, taking personal responsibility for them.
- Ensure that staff input and update electronic client records appropriately and promptly, in line with Practice Standards.
Knowledge & Experience Requirements
- In-depth experience in a setting related to working with young people in the statutory arena, including experience overseeing operational performance.
- Substantial experience of complex decision-making within the children/youth services arena, with the ability to analyse information, conclude and make judgments based on outcomes and risk.
- Knowledge of Community Safety priorities.
- Proven problem-solving skills – the ability to identify causes, make objective and informed judgements that demonstrate emotional resilience and balance.
- Proven ability to work effectively to ensure delivery of a multi-agency team or teams within a children's social care service to deliver outcomes for children and young people.
- Demonstrable ability of partnership working, including government, statutory, voluntary and community organisations.
- Ability to appraise and motivate staff in a way that ensures compliance with policies but also enables individuals to develop.
- High level of communication skills in the English language, both verbal and written.
- Able to represent the Service with a wide variety of individuals and professionals in different settings to develop partnerships, persuade and gain commitment from them.
- Ability to implement anti-discriminatory practices and styles in all areas of work.
- Ability to demonstrate awareness and understanding of equal opportunities.
- Knowledge and understanding of the full range of activities delivered by the Authority and partners in relation to children, young people and families.
- Experience in managing or supporting others and ensuring compliance with policy and procedures.
- Experience of working under pressure and making robust, evidence-informed decisions.
- Evidence of having delivered improved outcomes and impact for children and young people.
- Some experience in managing and controlling delegated budgets.
Qualification – Essential
- GCSE Grade (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics.
- Degree in Social Work or equivalent with significant post-qualification front-door services experience, plus evidence of CPD and Social Work England registration.
- Advanced Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Outlook, Social Media and CRM.
Essential Compliance Requirements
- Enhanced DBS & barred list check (Child & adult).
- Willing to engage in the mandatory pre-screening application process.
Diamond Blaque Group, a leading public-sector provider, is acting as the employment agency for this vacancy. Our organisation is deeply committed to fostering an environment of equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace.
Practice Manager, Children's Services in Luton employer: Diamond Blaque HR Solutions
Contact Detail:
Diamond Blaque HR Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Manager, Children's Services in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the children's services sector. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it's not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to community safety and how they support young people. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to decision-making and problem-solving in high-risk situations. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence.
✨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 always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a real impact in children’s services.
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Manager, Children's Services in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Practice Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing youth services and any relevant qualifications that align with the job description. We want to see how you fit into our mission!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills, especially in high-pressure situations. This will help us see your potential impact on the team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our values and culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diamond Blaque HR Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of children's services and community safety priorities. Familiarise yourself with the local policies and legal requirements that govern the role. This will not only show your commitment but also help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past experiences in managing high-risk cases and making complex decisions. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've successfully navigated challenges in children's services, highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to talk about how you've motivated and supported staff in previous roles. Share examples of how you've used performance management to develop individuals while ensuring compliance with policies. This will show your potential employer that you can lead effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare for questions that may require you to persuade or gain commitment from various stakeholders. Good verbal and written communication skills will set you apart.