At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support services for children in care, ensuring their voices shape service delivery.
- Company: London Borough of Merton, recognised for outstanding children's services by Ofsted.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic environment focused on relationship-based, trauma-informed practice.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to improving lives and outcomes for young people.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with management experience in children's social care.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about improving the lives of children in care and care experienced young people? Do you want to work within an ambitious, relational and child‑centred Corporate Parenting Service that is committed to delivering outstanding support and outcomes for children and young people?
At the London Borough of Merton, we are proud that our Children’s Services have been judged Outstanding by Ofsted. In particular, our services for care experienced young people were recognised as a significant strength, with inspectors highlighting the strong relationships young people have with workers, the quality of pathway planning and the ambition and commitment shown to young people as they transition into adulthood.
We are committed to continuing to strengthen and develop our services so that children, young people and families receive the highest quality support at the right time.
We are now seeking an experienced, motivated and values‑driven Service Manager to join our Corporate Parenting Service, leading and supporting services for Children in Care and Care Experienced Young People. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward‑thinking leadership team and contribute to the continued development of high‑quality practice, strategic service improvement and positive outcomes for children and young people.
As Service Manager, you will provide both operational and strategic leadership across Children in Care and Care Experienced services, ensuring children and young people remain at the centre of all decision making. You will lead high‑performing teams and work collaboratively with partners across health, education, housing, safeguarding and youth justice to ensure children and young people receive effective, aspirational and relationship‑based support.
You Will Play a Key Role In:
- Driving excellent practice and performance across Corporate Parenting services
- Supporting permanence, stability and positive transitions into adulthood
- Strengthening participation and ensuring the voices of children and care experienced young people shape service delivery
- Leading and embedding relational, trauma‑informed and anti‑racist practice
- Supporting workforce development, reflective supervision and practice learning
- Contributing to strategic development, inspection readiness and continuous improvement activity
- Developing strong partnership and commissioning relationships to improve sufficiency and outcomes for children and young people
Leadership Profile:
- Is a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England
- Has substantial management experience within statutory children’s social care, particularly within Children in Care and/or Leaving Care services
- Can demonstrate strong leadership, decision‑making and practice oversight skills
- Is passionate about relationship‑based practice and improving outcomes for children and care experienced young people
- Has experience of leading teams through improvement and change
- Can work effectively within a multi‑agency environment and build strong partnerships
- Has a strong understanding of safeguarding, corporate parenting responsibilities and relevant legislation
Our practice model combines relationship‑based social work, systemic practice and Signs of Safety approaches. We are committed to restorative, trauma‑informed and anti‑racist practice across our services.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Rosemary Frimpong - Head of Corporate Parenting.
Service Manager - Children in Care and Care Experienced in Morden employer: London Borough of Merton
The London Borough of Merton is an exceptional employer, dedicated to enhancing the lives of children in care and care experienced young people. With a strong commitment to outstanding service delivery, our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, ensuring that employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact. Join us in a role where your leadership will directly contribute to positive outcomes for vulnerable children and young people in a thriving community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager - Children in Care and Care Experienced in Morden
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of children's services, especially those who work in Corporate Parenting. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding the key values of the organisation. Familiarise yourself with their approach to relationship-based practice and trauma-informed care, so you can demonstrate how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams through change and improvement. Highlight your ability to build strong partnerships across various sectors.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager - Children in Care and Care Experienced in Morden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Make sure to express your genuine passion for improving the lives of children in care and care experienced young people. We want to see how your values align with our commitment to outstanding support and outcomes.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your management background within statutory children’s social care. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate strong leadership and decision-making skills, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific About Your Approach:We love a good detail! Share specific examples of how you’ve implemented relationship-based practice or led teams through improvement. This will help us understand your approach and how it fits with our values.
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 to join our forward-thinking team.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Merton
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key aspects of the role, especially around relationship-based practice and trauma-informed care. Brush up on relevant legislation and the specific challenges faced by children in care and care experienced young people.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for improving the lives of children and young people shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to this cause and how it aligns with the values of the London Borough of Merton.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your leadership and decision-making skills. Think about past experiences where you’ve led teams through change or improved services, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Corporate Parenting Service and its future direction. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to the team’s success.
