At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the Front Door service to ensure timely, high-quality responses for children in need.
- Company: Join a local government client dedicated to children's services in Plymouth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic, multi-agency team focused on child-centred practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while driving service improvements.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with strong leadership skills and experience in safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We're looking for a Front Door Service Manager - Children's Services for a local government client in Plymouth, Devon. To lead and develop the Front Door service during a period of transformation, ensuring timely, high-quality responses to contacts, referrals, and safeguarding concerns so children receive the right help at the right time. You will drive improvements in practice standards, decision-making, and risk management, including Section 17 and Section 47 interventions, in line with the Children Act 1989, Children Act 2004, and Working Together to Safeguard Children. Three days each week are required.
Responsibilities
- The role will focus on strengthening a consistent, child-centred practice model, supporting and developing staff capability, and embedding a culture of reflective supervision and continuous improvement.
- You will lead a multi-agency team within a MASH environment, build strong partnerships across health, police, and education, and ensure performance meets statutory timescales.
Knowledge & Experience Requirements
- Must have substantial experience in this field.
- Proven experience in managing staff and budgets.
- Substantial experience of working with children in Care and Care Leavers within the statutory, independent or third sector.
- In-depth knowledge in associated areas of management, e.g. adult services, mental health, disability, performance and financial management.
- Knowledge of legislation and statutory guidance relevant to working in children's services.
- Knowledge of key childcare and child protection research and assessment frameworks.
- Knowledge of vision and priorities, and how it contributes to their achievement.
- In-depth knowledge of legislation relating to Data Protection and Freedom of Information.
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.
Service Manager Front Door Service - Children's Services in Plymouth employer: Diamond Blaque HR Solutions
Contact Detail:
Diamond Blaque HR Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager Front Door Service - Children's Services in Plymouth
✨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. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission to provide high-quality responses in safeguarding. We want you to show them you're not just a fit for the role, but for their team culture too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership and decision-making in safeguarding. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager Front Door Service - Children's Services in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Front Door Service Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role requires strong leadership, don’t forget to include examples of how you've successfully managed teams or driven service improvements in your previous roles. We want to see your resilience and capability!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Be specific about your experience working with children in care and safeguarding. Mention any relevant legislation or frameworks you’re familiar with, as this will demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to child-centred practice.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diamond Blaque HR Solutions
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the key legislation and statutory guidance relevant to children's services, especially the Children Act 1989 and 2004. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules but also understand their implications in practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven service improvements in your previous roles. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference, particularly in safeguarding and front-door services, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Child-Centred Practice
Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented child-centred practices in your work. Share stories that illustrate your commitment to ensuring children receive the right help at the right time, and how you’ve supported staff in adopting this approach.
✨Engage with Multi-Agency Collaboration
Think about your experiences working with other agencies like health, police, and education. Prepare to talk about how you’ve built strong partnerships and what strategies you used to ensure effective communication and collaboration in a MASH environment.