At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to find safe homes for children and young people in care.
- Company: Join Kent County Council, dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and care leavers.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with senior-level experience and strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Interviews include a presentation and a Young Person's panel for a unique perspective.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Total Placement Service – Service Manager
Role Responsibility
Do you want to be an instrumental leader in Kent finding safe and loving homes and services for children, young people and care experienced adults?
An exceptionally exciting opportunity has arisen within the Children, Young People and Education Directorate that will interest anyone with an ambition of balancing the safety and security of vulnerable children with the complexity of achieving best value from social care markets.
The Total Placement Service sources placements and services for children in care, children on the edge of care, and care leavers. Leading a team of 25 staff, you will be responsible in ensuring that homes for these children, young people and adults provide stability, ensuring their needs are met and help them to achieve their aspirations. If successful, you will be part of the Children’s Commissioning Unit Management Team, as well as part of the Corporate Parenting Management Team receiving regular supervision to aid your professional development along with a range of training opportunities.
The post is varied and interesting working across a range of directorates and partner organisations to develop with these key stakeholders a service that is flexible, agile and responsive.
To be eligible for the post you will need to possess the following qualifications, skills and experience:
- Qualified Social Worker
- Experience of working at a senior level
- Proven track record of successful negotiation and commercial acumen
- Experience of working across multiple organisations
- Proven track record of leading and motivating teams through clear vision
- Be self motivated and ambitious, driven to deliver the very best service
Kent County Council is committed to a hybrid working model with a flexible working offer, with regular attendance to work from our Maidstone office required.
The closing date is 11.59pm on 13th July 2025.
Interviews will take place in person week commencing 28 July 2025 at Kroner House, Ashford. There will be a requirement to undertake psychometric testing as well as delivering a short presentation at the start of your interview. Candidates will be advised of the topic prior to the interview to present to the panel. There will also be a Young Person’s panel as part of the interview process.
If you are interested, please apply as soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.
This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.
This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service and registration as a qualified Social Worker with Social Work England.
Work that works for you and us – let\’s talk flexibility!
KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county\’s working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.
Please note – if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.
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Total Placement Service – Service Manager employer: Kent County Council
Contact Detail:
Kent County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Total Placement Service – Service Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key stakeholders involved in the Total Placement Service. Understanding their roles and how they interact with the service will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the psychometric testing by researching common types of assessments used in social work roles. Practising these tests can help you feel more confident and perform better on the day.
✨Tip Number 3
Think about your leadership style and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've motivated teams in the past. This will show your ability to lead effectively in a challenging environment.
✨Tip Number 4
For the presentation part of the interview, focus on a topic that highlights your experience in negotiating and working across multiple organisations. Tailor your content to showcase your commercial acumen and strategic thinking.
We think you need these skills to ace Total Placement Service – Service Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Service Manager position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience as a qualified social worker and any leadership roles you've held. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated and motivated teams in previous positions.
Prepare for the Interview: Since the interview includes psychometric testing and a presentation, prepare by researching common psychometric tests and practising your presentation skills. Make sure to understand the topic well in advance.
Showcase Your Commitment to Diversity: Kent County Council values diversity and inclusion. In your application, mention any experiences or initiatives that demonstrate your commitment to creating an inclusive environment, especially in relation to working with vulnerable groups.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Service Manager in the Total Placement Service. Familiarise yourself with the needs of children and young people in care, as well as the complexities of social care markets.
✨Prepare for the Presentation
Since you'll be required to deliver a short presentation at the start of your interview, take time to prepare. Research the topic provided beforehand and structure your presentation clearly to engage the panel effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in leading and motivating teams. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, highlighting your vision and approach to achieving results.
✨Engage with the Young Person's Panel
During the interview process, you'll interact with a Young Person's panel. Approach this with empathy and openness, demonstrating your commitment to understanding and prioritising the voices of those you will serve.