At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new Child Protection Service and inspire change for children and families.
- Company: Durham County Council, committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 27 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values fresh ideas and supports all applicants.
- Why this job: Shape child protection practices at a critical time and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification and significant experience in Children’s Social Care management.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
We are looking for a Service Manager to lead our newly created Child Protection and Allegations Management Service. This is a brand‑new leadership role, created as part of our response to the national reform of children’s services, offering a unique opportunity to shape and influence practice at a critical time.
Responsibilities
- Lead our brand new Child Protection Lead Practitioners to transform our child protection practice across Children’s Social Care and inspire meaningful change for the children and families we support.
- Lead the established Allegations Management Officers (LADOs) to carry out the Council’s statutory responsibilities (specified in Working Together to Safeguard Children) to ensure robust, coordinated responses to allegations against professionals working with children.
- Support the development and delivery of wider service priorities.
Qualifications
- A recognised social work qualification.
- Significant experience of working in Children’s Social Care.
- Substantial post‑qualifying experience in management.
- Experience of performance management and quality assurance.
- Experience of partnership working in the provision of services for children and their families.
Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria. If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
Safeguarding
Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought, inclusive of a check of the Children’s Barred List and the position’s regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation.
Benefits
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
Service Manager – Child Protection and Allegations Management in Spennymoor employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Durham County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for the Service Manager – Child Protection and Allegations Management to lead transformative initiatives in children's services. With a commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare, employees benefit from a competitive rewards package, generous leave entitlements, and flexible working arrangements, all within a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and encourages professional growth.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager – Child Protection and Allegations Management in Spennymoor
✨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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
✨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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council!
✨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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council, 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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council 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 Service Manager – Child Protection and Allegations Management in Spennymoor
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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kirklees Metropolitan Council! 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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨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.
