At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of social workers to support vulnerable children and families.
- Company: Richmond & Wandsworth Councils, committed to equality and diversity.
- Benefits: Up to £62,451 salary, 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and generous pension.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification and leadership experience in Children's Social Care.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 62000 £ per year.
Ofsted Rating: Good
Can you inspire, encourage and develop excellent social work practice to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people?
About Us
As a Team Manager in the Children Looked After Service, you will be responsible for leading a talented group of five Social Workers. You will be working collaboratively with your colleagues across the department and with partners, to deliver high-quality and responsive social work to some of the most vulnerable children and families in Wandsworth.
You will be a valued member of the service and a leader and champion of exemplary practice, able to work with families to make changes, and to achieve early permanence for children when they cannot remain at home.
Essential Qualifications, Skills And Experience
- You will hold social work qualification with Social Work England membership and have completed your ASYE Year.
- Proven experience of working across voluntary and statutory agencies with applied knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance.
- Experience of leadership and management within Children’s Social Care Services, with specific knowledge and interest in services for Children Looked After.
- You will be a passionate and driven social worker who is looking to develop further your management experience in practice with disabled children and their families.
- You will be innovative and creative in your approach to delivering services to children and families and be able to work closely with your team and manager including multi-agency partners to provide a service that meets each child's needs.
- You will have an understanding and commitment to the changes we are implementing in response to Keeping Children Safe, Helping Families thrive and our Outstanding Practice Framework.
If you can see yourself promoting outstanding practice in Wandsworth and would like the opportunity to shape the lives of children and their families, we encourage you to apply for this position.
Contact details
For An Informal Discussion About The Role Please Contact Eric Mensah, Service Manager
Closing date: 22 February 2026
Shortlisting date: w/c 23 February 2026
Interview date: w/c 2 March 2026
We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.
We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Team Manager - Children Looked After (Secondment) employer: London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager - Children Looked After (Secondment)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission, especially in relation to supporting children and families.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've inspired or developed others in your previous roles. This is key for a Team Manager position, so make sure to highlight these experiences.
✨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 our team and making a difference in Wandsworth.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager - Children Looked After (Secondment)
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 you can inspire and develop excellent practice, so share your experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and young people.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Team Manager in the Children Looked After Service. We’re looking for specific skills and experiences, so don’t be shy about showcasing your leadership and management experience in children's social care.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the job requirements. Use bullet points if it helps to make your qualifications stand out!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We may close the vacancy early if we receive enough applications, so get yours in as soon as possible through our website to avoid disappointment.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest legislation and guidance related to children's social care. Familiarise yourself with the Ofsted framework and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their standards.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or managed projects in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop others, as this role requires strong leadership in a challenging environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about real-life situations you've encountered and how you handled them, especially in relation to vulnerable children and families.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your passion for social work shine through during the interview. Share your motivations for working with children looked after and how you plan to make a positive impact in their lives. Authenticity goes a long way!