At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team of Social Workers to support children and families in need.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Richmond and Wandsworth, committed to outstanding social work.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for progression and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must hold a social work qualification and have proven leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 62451 - 62451 £ per year.
Team Manager – Family Help Service – Up to £62,451 per annum. Permanent Full Time (36 Hours) Tooting, London Ofsted Rating: ‘Good’
Are you a passionate and driven Social Work Team Manager eager to expand your expertise in outstanding, relationship‑based social work practice supporting children and families while making a lasting impact? Our values inspire our Outstanding Practice Framework, which creates the context to build relationships with families that bring about change to support children to live at home wherever possible.
Following our implementation of Family Safeguarding model, you will join multi‑agency teams offering the best practice conditions we’ve ever had to achieve the most positive outcomes for children and families. Can you provide creative leadership and management to Social Workers in your team to support children and their families by delivering evidence‑based interventions that respect and promote their rights?
About the Role
Our Family Help Service has a stable, knowledgeable and creative team. Social workers benefit from small teams, regular supervision and a caseload that allows them to spend time with children and young people building relationships and building on their strengths and those of their wider family network. You will be a valued member of our team and encouraged to be a leader and champion of exemplary practice.
Our Family Help model aims to support children and their families through consistent relationships and skilled interventions, rooted in systemic practice. You will lead a team of Social Workers who work with families to co‑produce child and family assessments, and build family‑led plans under Child in Need and Child Protection frameworks, as well as in care proceedings. You will work alongside co‑located Children’s Practitioners, Adult Mental Health Practitioners, Substance Misuse and Domestic Abuse Practitioners. We have in‑house family therapy and Social Care CAMHS teams, as well as a range of opportunities for progression.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- You will hold a social work qualification with Social Work England membership and have successfully completed your ASYE.
- Proven leadership and management experience in a similar role.
- Experience of working across voluntary and statutory agencies with applied knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance.
- An excellent communicator and collaborator who is compassionate and understands the needs of children and young people.
- A ‘can do’ attitude coupled with creativity, you will be a champion for children and families and support them with hope, self‑esteem and potential.
If you meet the above criteria and can inspire, encourage and lead excellent social work practice to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people – we encourage you to apply for this opportunity.
Informal Conversation
Veronica Leigh, Service Manager – veronica.leigh@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk
Closing Dates
Closing date: 31 May 2026 Shortlisting date: w/c 1st June 2026
We may close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Richmond and Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Family Help Team Lead: Social Work Impact employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Social Work professionals. With a focus on relationship-based practice, employees benefit from small team sizes, regular supervision, and ample opportunities for professional development, including access to in-house family therapy and CAMHS teams. The organisation values diversity and inclusivity, providing generous benefits such as 40 days of annual leave and flexible working arrangements, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Help Team Lead: Social Work Impact
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work and related fields. Attend local events or workshops to meet people who can give you insights or even refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions specific to social work leadership. Think about your experiences and how they align with the values of the Family Help Service. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity! When discussing your approach to social work, share examples of innovative solutions you've implemented. This will demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and lead effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in children and families' lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Help Team Lead: Social Work Impact
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! We want to see how driven you are to make a difference in the lives of children and families. Share specific examples of your experiences that highlight your commitment to relationship-based practice.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our Family Help model. We love seeing candidates who understand our values and can demonstrate how they’ve applied them in their previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on the values that drive your social work practice. The role emphasises relationship-based work, so be ready to discuss how your personal values align with the organisation's mission to support children and families.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Team Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in challenging situations. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others while maintaining a focus on positive outcomes for children.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Legislation
Brush up on the key legislation and guidance relevant to child protection and family support. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show your expertise and commitment to best practices in social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think about specific cases you've handled and how you approached them, focusing on evidence-based interventions and collaboration with multi-agency teams.
