At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a skilled team to support vulnerable children in care and drive positive change.
- Company: Dudley Children's Services, praised for empathy and care in social work.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training programmes, and a supportive leadership team.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to building a brighter future for children.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives and champion their rights.
- Qualifications: Experience in Children in Care and supervising social workers required.
The predicted salary is between 55461 - 59414 £ per year.
Salary: £55,461 to £59,414 (salary subject to experience)
Working Hours: 37
Location: Cable Plaza, Waterfront West, Brierley Hill, Dudley
Closing Date: 06/07/2026
Sector: Local Councils
Business Unit: Children's Services
Job Introduction
Do you want to make a lasting difference in the lives of children? Dudley Children's Services are looking for an exceptional Team Manager to join our dedicated Children in Care service. This is your chance to lead a highly skilled social work team making a real impact for our most vulnerable young people.
Why you'll love working with us
- In our last Ofsted focus visit our service was praised! They highlighted the empathy, care and thoughtful approach our social workers bring to every child.
- High support, high challenge: Be part of a restorative practice authority where we empower staff, children and their families.
- Experienced leadership team: Get ongoing support from a team of passionate professionals, from the Head of Service to Advanced Practitioners, we are all a permanent workforce who are invested in getting it right for children.
What you'll bring
- Proven experience in Children in Care, with a sound understanding of practice, processes and procedures.
- A track record of supervising social workers, either as a team manager or practice educator.
- Expertise in court work (DOL’s, Special Guardianship, Discharge of Care Orders, Adoption).
- Understanding of restorative practice principles.
- A willingness to champion all elements of children’s rights.
- Collaborate with senior leaders to identify pressures, allocate support, and drive improvement.
Ready to join a team that makes a difference? We offer a competitive salary, a wonderful training programme and a chance to be part of something truly special. Apply today and help us build a brighter future for Dudley's children!
Team Manager - Children in Care Team employer: Hurst Green
Dudley Children's Services is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of children. With a supportive and experienced leadership team, we empower our staff through high support and high challenge, fostering a work culture that values empathy and collaboration. Join us at our Cable Plaza location in Brierley Hill, where you will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities, allowing you to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager - Children in Care Team
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Hurst Green.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Hurst Green!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Hurst Green, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Hurst Green or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager - Children in Care Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Hurst Green:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hurst Green! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hurst Green
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
