At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to improve social work practices and support diverse communities.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, committed to inclusivity and community impact.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Registered social worker with management experience and strategic thinking.
The predicted salary is between 64938 - 69660 € per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!
About the role
We are seeking an experienced group manager to join our senior management team. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of social work practice, supervise staff, and maintain a thorough knowledge of social work practice and specialist knowledge related to the post. The group manager will provide strategic and operational leadership, support the head of service, and ensure continuous improvement of quality and practice across the teams.
Key responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the service area, managing 3–5 direct reports and 3–5 teams.
- Lead on placement strategy, ensuring oversight of regional cooperatives and shaping the market.
- Develop and implement innovative solutions that respond to legislative changes and industry trends.
- Foster strong relationships with accommodation providers to drive service improvement and sustainability.
- Use and analyse performance data effectively to support work with children and families.
- Supervise team managers and support their professional development.
- Embed the Signs of Safety practice framework across the service area.
- Ensure practice improvement and uphold safeguarding and care planning statutory guidance.
Qualifications and experience
- Registered social worker with recent proven management experience.
- Demonstrated experience above team manager level in supervising staff and managing complex operational practice.
- Evidence of strategic thinking and ability to embed strategic objectives into operational practice.
- Technical knowledge of Working Together 2023, Pan London Child Protection Procedures, and other relevant statutory guidance.
- Strong background in service development, planning, and oversight.
- Experience in managing a budget.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop staff.
- Commitment to child‑focused practice and reflective, creative leadership.
What we’re looking for (core values)
- Value the importance of communication and seeking feedback.
- Can inspire and motivate those they work with; manage and lead effectively.
- Commit to developing skills and expertise to deliver an excellent service.
- Professionally curious and value thoughtful decision‑making.
- Work inclusively, collaboratively, recognising others’ strengths.
- Take responsibility, focus on solutions, and are transparent and appreciative.
- Reflect and learn continuously.
Benefits
- Generous leave entitlement.
- Local Government Pension scheme.
- Flexible working and family‑friendly policies.
- Season ticket and bicycle loans.
- Staff discounts, including subsidised gym memberships.
- Supportive staff networks.
Location
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford SE6. Two local train stations are 3–5 minutes’ walk from the office, and the train journey from London Bridge is approximately 15 minutes. Several bus routes also stop near the office.
Special conditions
The post holder must have a social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. The position is subject to a DBS check.
Salary
£64,938 – £69,660 per annum (SMG1)
Creating an inclusive Lewisham
A core value of Lewisham Council is to draw on the diversity of our communities to create a more inclusive Lewisham. We believe that freedom from discrimination and equality of opportunity are fundamental rights, and that each person should be valued regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, or age. Social inclusion lies at the heart of everything we do as a Council in our roles as an employer, a provider of services and a community leader.
Diversity
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants and those with health conditions throughout our recruitment process. We support the Access to Work scheme; further details are /access-to-work/apply.
Contact
For an informal discussion, please contact Steven Chaplin, Head of Service for Care Resources.
Group Manager, Placements and Short Breaks, Care Resources in London employer: Lewisham Council
Join Lewisham Council as a Group Manager in Placements and Short Breaks, where your leadership will directly impact our vibrant and culturally diverse communities. We offer a supportive work culture with generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to professional development, ensuring you thrive in your role while making a meaningful difference. Located conveniently in Catford, with excellent transport links, you'll be part of an inclusive team dedicated to fostering social inclusion and continuous improvement in service delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Manager, Placements and Short Breaks, Care Resources in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might know about openings at Lewisham. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in social work and the specific challenges faced by Lewisham. Show us you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in making a difference in our communities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your experiences in managing teams and driving service improvements. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨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, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Lewisham.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Manager, Placements and Short Breaks, Care Resources in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in social work management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Group Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Group Manager, you'll be leading teams and driving service improvement. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and any successful strategies you've implemented in previous roles. We love to see examples of how you've inspired and motivated others!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and qualifications. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion for child-focused practice shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it’s super easy to do! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference in Lewisham.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of social work practices and the relevant statutory guidance like Working Together 2023. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also committed to continuous improvement in practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided strategic and operational leadership in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you've managed teams, supervised staff, or implemented innovative solutions. This will help demonstrate your ability to inspire and motivate others.
✨Build Relationships
Since fostering strong relationships with accommodation providers is key, be ready to discuss how you've successfully built partnerships in the past. Highlight any experiences where collaboration led to service improvements or sustainability, as this aligns perfectly with the job's requirements.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Be prepared to talk about how you've used performance data to support your work. Discuss any instances where analysing data helped you make informed decisions or improve outcomes for children and families. This shows that you can think critically and focus on solutions.
