At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to improve outcomes for children in care.
- Company: Join Havering's dedicated safeguarding and corporate parenting service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive learning opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting improvement journey in children's services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised Social Work qualification and experience managing social care teams.
The predicted salary is between 59511 - 63966 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced and inspirational Team Manager to lead a Children in Care / Looked After Children social work team within our Safeguarding and Corporate Parenting Service. Reporting to a Service Manager, you will be responsible for the day‑to‑day operational leadership of the team, ensuring high‑quality, child‑centred, relationship‑based social work practice that delivers improved outcomes for children and young people in our care. Team Managers are integral to our service. You will provide support, challenge, and direction, motivating social workers and promoting consistent, high‑quality practice in line with legislation, guidance, and local priorities. You will be required to attend the office for three days per week.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a statutory Children in Care social work team
- Ensure effective delivery of services in line with legislation, statutory guidance and best practice
- Provide high‑quality supervision, appraisal and professional development
- Promote systemic, relationship‑based and face‑to‑face practice
- Ensure robust recording, care planning and permanence planning, evidencing the voice of the child
- Chair and attend multi‑disciplinary meetings and reviews
- Manage performance, workloads and delegated budgets
- Work collaboratively with internal and external partner agencies
- Contribute to service development alongside the Service Manager and Head of Service, escalating issues and risks as required
About You
You will hold a recognised Social Work qualification, be registered with Social Work England, and have experience managing statutory children’s social care teams. You will demonstrate strong knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory responsibilities, with a proven ability to lead, supervise and motivate staff within a systemic model of practice. Experience of working with Children in Care is desirable.
Our Improvement Journey
Following a recent Ofsted inspection, we are undertaking a significant improvement journey to re‑establish and strengthen high‑quality practice across Children’s Services in Havering. We are looking for committed and resilient leaders motivated to improve services, promote children’s wellbeing, and contribute confidently to sustainable service improvement.
What We Offer
- A 10‑day learning and development offer each year
- Access to our Social Care Academy and Systemic Practice framework
- Strong senior leadership commitment to improvement
- A supportive environment focused on professional development and reflective practice
Equal Opportunities
We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.
Legal Requirements
The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Team Manager Children in Care employer: London Borough of Havering
The London Borough of Havering is an exceptional employer for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people. With a strong commitment to professional development, including a 10-day learning offer and access to the Social Care Academy, we foster a supportive work culture that values resilience and collaboration. Join us in our improvement journey, where your leadership will directly contribute to enhancing the wellbeing of our community's most vulnerable members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager Children in Care
✨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 who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their recent initiatives, especially around safeguarding and corporate parenting. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experience managing teams and working with Children in Care. The more you rehearse, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get those applications in and let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager Children in Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for working with children in care shine through. We want to see your commitment to improving their lives and how you can inspire your team to do the same.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience managing statutory children’s social care teams. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and knowledge of legislation, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Remember, clarity is key!
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Havering
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the relevant legislation and statutory responsibilities related to children in care. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you understand how they impact your practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage effectively.
✨Emphasise Relationship-Based Practice
Be ready to talk about your approach to relationship-based social work. Share examples of how you've built strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues, and how this has led to positive outcomes.
✨Prepare for Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration
Since you'll be working with various partner agencies, think of instances where you've collaborated effectively. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve navigated multi-disciplinary meetings to ensure the best outcomes for children.
