At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a social work team to transform family time services.
- Company: East Sussex, a supportive employer prioritising flexible working.
- Benefits: Diverse benefits, flexible hours, and opportunities for career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping innovative practices.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience in social work and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for varied projects and professional growth in a dynamic environment.
‘Social Workers love working in East Sussex because they feel valued and supported’
Ofsted 2024
Are you currently a Practice Manager or working in a leadership Social Work role, then we have an opportunity for a Family Time Practice Manager in a varied and interesting role.
An opportunity has arisen for a Family Time Practice manager who can not only help modernise the Family Time service but also contribute significantly to the transformation agenda. It will also be focussed on reducing financial pressure arising from the use of agency contact services out of county.
This Practice Manager post is key to driving forward a modernised family time service and transforming the way children and their families experience safe and creative family time whilst living in care. The Practice manager will be responsible for recruitment, supervision and performance management, policies and procedures, change programme and delegated budget responsibilities.
The right person for this role will have good leadership experience within a Social work team and experience with:
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Communicating effectively in challenging and complex circumstances to support professional decision making
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Staff supervision and management, team motivation and team building
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Providing expert practice consultation and promote respect for social work professional authority and expertise.
As well as helping deliver positive outcomes for children and families and assisting in your teams development, this is an excellent opportunity for the post holder to work on a varied and interesting programme and develop your career
To apply, please click the apply now button to upload your CV and a supporting statement. When writing your supporting statement be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education or personal interests.
Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.
For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page.
Interviews will take place face to face in either Lewes or Eastbourne within two weeks of closing date. Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.
Being a Practice Manager gives you the opportunity to Lead, inspire, and shape a social work team while driving positive outcomes for children and families through innovative, evidence-based practice.
We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Sally Carnie – Sally.carnie@Eastsussex.gov.uk
For flexible working, choose East Sussex.
East Sussex is a very good employer. You’re able to work flexibly around childcare and caring responsibilities and that’s really helpful. Charlotte, Social Worker
Practice Manager - Family Time employer: East Sussex County Council

Contact Detail:
East Sussex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Manager - Family Time
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might know about the Family Time Practice Manager role. A friendly chat can lead to insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to leadership and team management. Think about how you’ve handled challenging situations in the past and be ready to share those stories with confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for transforming family time services! During your interview, highlight your ideas on modernising practices and improving outcomes for children and families. Let them see your vision!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in East Sussex.
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Manager - Family Time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Practice Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant social work skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to modernising the Family Time service!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Address how you meet each criterion in the person specification, using examples from your work or life experiences. We love seeing your personality come through, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key in this role, make sure to demonstrate your ability to handle challenging situations in your application. Share specific examples where you’ve successfully navigated complex circumstances – we want to know how you think on your feet!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you access to all the info you need about the position and our amazing benefits.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Practice Manager in Family Time. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around modernising services and managing budgets. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed challenging situations. Highlight how you motivated your team and contributed to positive outcomes for children and families. This is crucial as the role requires strong leadership capabilities.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex scenarios. The interviewers will be looking for your ability to communicate effectively under pressure, so consider role-playing with a friend to refine your responses.
✨Tailor Your Supporting Statement
When writing your supporting statement, directly address the criteria in the person specification. Use specific examples from your work or life experience that demonstrate how you meet these criteria. This personal touch can make a big difference in how you’re perceived.