At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead court progression and ensure timely, high-quality legal documentation for children's services.
- Company: Southend Council, dedicated to improving children's lives through effective legal processes.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; on-site at Civic Centre required 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, registered with Social Work England, and extensive family law knowledge.
Southend Council are looking to appoint a Court Progression Manager within Children's Services within 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 assure legal gateway referrals and PLO documentation
- Ensure written social evidence and assessments, plans and reports are of the highest standard, prepared in clear, comprehensible language
- 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 escalate 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
Within this position, 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 for this position, you must be able to work in the UK, have a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England and have completed your ASYE
- 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, experience of preparing evidence, witness statements, care plans and giving oral evidence in court
- You need to have front line children's service experience, along with PLO, care proceedings, and court processes
- Be confident in managing timescales, data, and oversight of complex caseloads and skilled in quality assurance, analysis, and supporting practice improvement
What you'll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
Court Progression Manager - 1 year Fixed Term Contract in Southend-on-Sea employer: Hays
Southend Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises the professional growth of its employees. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements and comprehensive training opportunities, staff can thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on children's services. The Civic Centre location fosters collaboration and community engagement, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in achieving positive outcomes for children and families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Court Progression Manager - 1 year Fixed Term Contract in Southend-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might have insights into the Court Progression Manager role. A friendly chat can lead to valuable information and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of family law and court processes. We recommend practising common interview questions related to case management and quality assurance to show you're the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with data and performance monitoring tools like Power BI. Bring examples of how you've used data to improve outcomes in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your analytical skills and commitment to quality.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Court Progression Manager - 1 year Fixed Term Contract in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Court Progression Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing court work and your knowledge of family law. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive quality and timeliness in court processes. This will help us see the impact you've made in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on family law and children's legislation, especially the Public Law Outline. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your front-line experience that highlight your skills in managing complex caseloads and quality assurance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Data Savvy is Key
Since the role involves using Power BI and data tracking, be ready to discuss how you've used data in previous roles. Bring examples of how you’ve monitored performance or improved processes through data analysis.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in court work. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them, particularly around case progression and statutory timescales.
