At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead court work to ensure timely progress for children's cases and maintain high-quality standards.
- Company: Southend Council, dedicated to improving children's services.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; on-site at Civic Centre 3 days a week.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in social work.
- Qualifications: Recognised Social Work qualification and extensive knowledge of family law required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Your new role Southend Council is looking to appoint a Court Progression Manager within Children's Services for a 1-year fixed term capacity. The successful candidate will currently be a Team Manager or experienced Advanced Practitioner who can focus on driving the quality and timeliness of court work. They will play a vital role in ensuring cases progress in line with statutory timescales and that children achieve permanence without delay.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and quality-ensure legal gateway referrals and PLO documentation
- Ensure written social evidence and assessments, plans and reports are of the highest standard, prepared in clear, comprehensible
- Track and monitor care proceedings, PLO, and private law cases using trackers, dashboards, and LCS
- Chair and coordinate PPMs and case progression reviews to prevent drift and delay, and appropriately elevate concerns
- Oversee assessments, permanence planning, and legal processes
- Provide quality assurance, guidance, and support to practitioners and managers across Family Help, CWD, AIPT, and CLA teams
- Use Power BI and data to monitor performance and produce reports
- Lead monthly tracking meetings and contribute to strategic forums
- Deliver training on PLO, care proceedings, CPRs, and court work
Hybrid working opportunities are available; however, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 3 days a week.
What you'll need to succeed
To be shortlisted, you must be able to work in the UK, have a recognised Social Work qualification, be registered with Social Work England, and have completed your ASYE. You must have extensive knowledge of family law and children's legislation, including the application of the Public Law Outline and the conduct of Court Cases. Experience of complex care proceedings, preparing evidence, witness statements, care plans, and giving oral evidence in court is required. You should have front line children's service experience, along with PLO, care proceedings, and court processes, and be confident in managing timescales, data, and oversight of complex caseloads, skilled in quality assurance, analysis, and supporting practice improvement.
What you'll get in return
Benefits include 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training and development opportunities. The council is committed to supporting you in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training.
Salary GBP 40,000 - 50,000 per year
Court Progression Manager in Chelmsford employer: Grand Arcade
Southend Council is an excellent employer for those seeking a meaningful role in Children's Services, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training opportunities, and a commitment to quality assurance in court processes, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment dedicated to making a positive impact on children's lives. The Civic Centre location provides a collaborative atmosphere where team members can engage directly with their community while benefiting from the resources of a local authority.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Court Progression Manager in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with court processes. They might have insider info on job openings or can even refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of family law and children's legislation. Be ready to discuss your experience with care proceedings and how you've managed complex cases in the past. We want to see your confidence shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills with data! If you’ve used tools like Power BI to track performance or produce reports, make sure to highlight that in conversations. It’s a great way to demonstrate your analytical abilities and commitment to quality assurance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Court Progression Manager in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing court processes and working with children's services. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Court Progression Manager!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've driven quality and timeliness in court work. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and easy to read. Use clear language and structure your information logically so we can quickly grasp your qualifications and experiences.
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 Grand Arcade
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on family law and children's legislation before the interview. Being able to discuss the Public Law Outline and how it applies to court cases will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but also understand its practical implications.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've managed complex care proceedings or provided quality assurance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Data Savvy is Key
Since the role involves using Power BI and data tracking, be ready to discuss how you've used data in your previous positions. Bring examples of how you've monitored performance or produced reports to improve case outcomes.
✨Engage with the Panel
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the 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.
