At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to support children and families in Hackney.
- Company: Hackney Council, a progressive local authority in London.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, generous leave, and strong support programmes.
- Other info: Join a culture focused on anti-racism and innovative practice.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people at risk.
- Qualifications: Social Work England qualification and registration required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values. Over the past twenty years the Council has built first‑class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation and ambition.
In the context of the Family’s First Social Care Reforms, Hackney has reviewed its response to extra‑familial harm. Learning from our own Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, the National Panel’s “It Was Hard to Escape” report and Croydon’s Thematic Review of Serious Youth Violence, we have developed a new team dedicated to working intensively with children most at risk of harm outside the home. This specialist team comprises practitioners from a mix of disciplines, with significant experience of working with adolescents, including those on the periphery of crime who may cross over with Youth Justice Services.
Responsibilities
- Lead a dedicated team to provide outstanding services for children and their families, adhering to our systemic, trauma‑informed, anti‑racist and restorative practice model (STAR‑R).
- Deliver thoughtful, focused interventions that help young people develop agency and critical thinking skills.
- Respond swiftly and effectively to the needs of children while adhering to statutory guidelines.
- Model persistence, tenacity, creativity, flexibility and the ability to respond quickly.
- Bring together partners from the wider safeguarding partnership and community to develop creative solutions that build safety around children and in contexts that may facilitate or cause harm.
- Ensure the needs of children, young people, their families and carers are assessed and that effective, outcome‑focused plans are developed and delivered in accordance with practice standards.
- Report to the Service Manager for Youth Justice and contribute as part of a leadership team committed to trauma‑informed approaches and tackling unequal treatment of children.
- Develop innovative and impactful practice that actively contributes to organisational learning and promotes best practice with a clear focus on positive outcomes for children and families.
Qualifications
- You must hold a Social Work England‑recognised social work qualification or equivalent, be registered with Social Work England and have evidence of continuing professional development.
- Enhanced DBS Check is required.
Benefits
We value our staff and offer a competitive benefits package that includes hybrid working, a mobile phone and home computer, coaching and mentoring opportunities, a competitive salary, an excellent pension scheme, generous annual leave entitlements (including Bank Holidays) and a strong Employee Assistance Programme providing support around racialised trauma.
Our Action Plan
- Proud to be Hackney
- Proud to keep children safe and listen to Children and Families
- Proud to work with partner agencies to keep children safe and to help children and families get the right support at the right time
- Proud to work with partners to improve safety for children during adolescence in all contexts
- Proud to be Anti‑Racist
- Proud to promote a learning culture focused on outcomes for children, where great practice can flourish
- Proud to support our workforce to do their very best for children in Hackney
Contact
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Naomi Salawu, Service Manager, Youth Justice, Naomi.Salawu@hackney.gov.uk.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances and aim to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people and those interested in flexible working.
CFS Social Work Team Manager employer: London Borough of Hackney
Hackney Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the well-being of its staff and the communities they serve. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive benefits including hybrid working, and a focus on anti-racist practices, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in one of London's most vibrant boroughs. Join us in our mission to create innovative solutions and promote positive outcomes for those at risk, while enjoying a culture that values diversity and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CFS Social Work Team Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work or related fields. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people from Hackney Council or similar organisations. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Hackney's values and recent initiatives. Show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the culture. Bring examples of how you've used trauma-informed approaches in your past work to demonstrate your alignment with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to safeguarding and working with diverse communities. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Hackney and contributing to their fantastic work in supporting children and families.
We think you need these skills to ace CFS Social Work Team Manager
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 much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and families. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to this important field.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of CFS Social Work Team Manager. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Hackney and what we stand for before hitting that submit button.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Hackney
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in Hackney's approach to social work, especially the STAR-R model. Familiarise yourself with recent reports and reviews related to child safeguarding and extra-familial harm. This shows you’re not just interested in the role but also committed to the values and practices that drive the team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Team Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a diverse team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in challenging situations. Highlight your creativity and flexibility in problem-solving, as these are key traits for this role.
✨Engage with the Community Focus
Hackney values strong community ties, so be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with partner agencies in previous roles. Think about specific instances where you’ve developed creative solutions to safeguard children and families, and how you can bring that experience to Hackney.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity
Given Hackney's focus on anti-racism and equality, it’s crucial to express your understanding and commitment to these principles. Share experiences where you’ve actively promoted inclusivity and tackled discrimination in your work. This will resonate well with their values and mission.
