At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team supporting young people transitioning to independence.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Havering, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of care-experienced young people.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and experience in managing Leaving Care services.
The predicted salary is between 59511 - 63966 € per year.
Are you an experienced social work leader passionate about supporting young people as they move towards independence? We are seeking a Team Manager to lead our 16+ Leaving Care Team within the Starting Well Service in the People Directorate. This key leadership role supports care‑experienced young people through transition, ensuring they receive high‑quality, consistent and aspirational support as they move into adulthood.
About the Role
As Team Manager for the 16+ Leaving Care Team, you will be responsible for the operational management of a multi‑disciplinary team delivering statutory services to young people aged 16+ and care leavers. You will manage approximately 12 staff, including Social Workers, Leaving Care Personal Advisors, Advanced Practitioners and specialist roles, and will ensure practice is young‑person‑centred, strengths‑based and outcome‑focused, supporting care leavers to achieve stability, independence and positive life chances.
Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of high‑quality Leaving Care services in line with legislation, statutory guidance and best practice.
- Ensure effective pathway planning that captures and evidences the voice of the young person.
- Provide high‑quality supervision, appraisal and professional development for staff.
- Promote purposeful, relationship‑based and face‑to‑face practice.
- Chair reviews, panels and multi‑agency meetings.
- Work closely with housing, health, education, employment and partner agencies.
- Ensure robust recording and effective use of systems.
- Contribute to service development and manage budgets effectively.
- Participate in an out‑of‑hours rota and travel as required.
About You
You will be a confident and values‑driven leader with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for care‑experienced young people.
- A relevant Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
- Experience of managing statutory children’s social care or Leaving Care services.
- Strong knowledge of legislation and best practice relating to care leavers.
- Proven experience of supervising, coaching and developing staff.
- Experience of working within a systemic model of practice.
- Strong leadership, communication and decision‑making skills.
- High levels of organisation, resilience and adaptability.
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive practice.
- A genuine passion for supporting young people into successful adulthood.
Closing date for the receipt of applications: 26/05/2026 (the vacancy may be closed earlier if filled).
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 Leaving Care employer: London Borough of Havering
The London Borough of Havering is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. As a Team Manager in the 16+ Leaving Care Team, you will benefit from a strong commitment to professional development, a collaborative culture that prioritises the well-being of care-experienced young people, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their lives. With competitive salaries and a focus on equality and diversity, Havering offers a rewarding career path for those passionate about social work and youth support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager Leaving Care
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with Leaving Care services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to leadership and support for young people. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted care leavers' lives. This will demonstrate your commitment and make you stand out as a candidate.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager Leaving Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through in your application. We want to see how your values align with our mission to help care-experienced individuals transition into adulthood.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in social work leadership and managing teams. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and support staff effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
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 guidance related to Leaving Care services. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your understanding of the framework within which you'll be operating.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership experience, especially in managing multi-disciplinary teams. Think about specific situations where you've successfully supervised or developed staff, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Passion
Be ready to express your genuine passion for supporting care-experienced young people. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to helping them achieve independence and positive life chances.
✨Engage with Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview. Practice how you would handle various situations involving young people transitioning to adulthood, focusing on relationship-based practice and effective pathway planning.
