At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to support families in need and drive positive change.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a leader in community support and family services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, support for unpaid carers, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised social work qualification and experience in social care.
The predicted salary is between 55892 - 69241 £ per year.
About the Role
Fixed Term contract / secondment opportunity, 12 months. Full Time, 37 hours per week. Salary: £55,892 to £69,241 per annum. Location: Colchester. Working Style: Fixed-base worker. Closing Date: 14th June 2026. Interview Date: 23rd June 2026.
Family Solutions is an intensive Early Help intervention service for families with multiple needs at a complex level who require family support, but whose needs do not meet the threshold for statutory intervention. The service works with families for up to 12 months, can be extended if required. The team follows a consent‑based model built on the previous Supporting Families practice, with a key worker and whole‑family approach, and partners at the right time. The team consists of a Practice Supervisor, Social Worker, and Family Workers from multi-disciplinary backgrounds and takes a systemic, strength‑based approach to empower families.
Responsibilities
- Lead a team of social workers and family workers to deliver a high‑quality professional service with positive outcomes.
- Accountable for individual performance, quality assurance, resources, and budgets.
- Accountable for the practice of social workers and family workers within the team, providing professional and practice supervision, using available tools to address under‑performance, and coaching to enhance practice quality.
- Responsible for developing individuals to maximise capability and performance across the team.
- Responsible for oversight and quality assurance of a range of family assessments and plans.
- Responsible for responding to complaints and other feedback from families in accordance with policy and in a way that fosters positive relationships.
- Lead inter‑agency collaborative working by establishing and developing effective approaches to integrated working with partners, communities, and the voluntary sector, achieving successful outcomes for families.
- Develop the training and tactical service delivery plan for the team.
- Use expertise and professional knowledge to provide advice and guidance for complex cases in line with legislative and organisational standards.
Experience and Qualifications
- Recognised social work qualification (Diploma, degree or Masters in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent), with current registration with Social Work England.
- Evidence of continuing professional development, aligned to relevant Professional Competency / Capability frameworks or Knowledge and Skills Statements.
- Significant experience in a Social Care setting with evidence of challenging social and family situations.
- Experience of supervision of Social Workers / Family Workers, possessing strong leadership and behavioural skills, with the ability to forge a high‑performing and motivated team from diverse backgrounds, to deliver local objectives and meet professional standards.
- Experience working within a complex environment and leading change to ensure the Council delivers best practice.
- Developing strong relationships with partners, other agencies, and the local community to achieve joint objectives and offer a supportive framework for children and their families.
- Evidence of clear decision making to highlight and limit potential risks associated with intervention.
Other Requirements
The role requires mobility throughout a wider operational area, including travel around the county of Essex and beyond. A driving licence and car or alternative means to meet mobility requirements are essential.
Benefits
Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We will interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. We are also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role. The council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
Team Manager – Family Solutions Service, North Essex in Colchester employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those in the Team Manager role within the Family Solutions Service. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of families across North Essex. The council's dedication to professional growth and community collaboration makes it an ideal place for individuals seeking a rewarding career in social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager – Family Solutions Service, North Essex in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Essex County Council and their Family Solutions Service. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work there, which can give you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you would handle complex family situations or lead a diverse team. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager – Family Solutions Service, North Essex in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Team Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in social work and leadership, and don’t forget to showcase any specific achievements that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the Family Solutions Service and how your skills can contribute to the team. Keep it concise but impactful, and make sure to address the key points from the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, be sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, especially in challenging environments, and how you’ve fostered positive relationships with colleagues and families.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Family Solutions Service model and the specific needs of families requiring support. Brush up on relevant legislation and frameworks, as this will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams, especially in challenging environments. Think about how you've motivated diverse teams and achieved positive outcomes, as this is crucial for the Team Manager role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about complex cases and how you would handle them. Prepare by thinking through potential scenarios involving family assessments and inter-agency collaboration, demonstrating your decision-making skills and ability to manage risks.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, 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.
