At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team supporting care experienced young people transitioning to independence.
- Company: Join Merton's Corporate Parenting Service, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time permanent role, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on learning, diversity, and celebrating successes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of young people aged 16-25.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with leadership experience and knowledge of care services.
The predicted salary is between 61653 - 61653 £ per year.
Grade / Salary - ME16 - £57,402 - £61,653 per annum inclusive - Full time - Permanent
We have an exciting opportunity to join Merton's Corporate Parenting Service in the role of Team Manager in one of our Care Experienced 16+ Teams. As a Team Manager in the Care Experienced Team, you will be leading a team of Personal Advisers and Social Workers to ensure that children who are leaving our care and young people who are transitioning to independence receive support and services to the highest standard and oversee the day to day delivery of our local offer to our care experienced young people. We support children and young people age 16-25 years.
We are looking for a leader who is experienced in managing and leading a team, has a sound knowledge of the rights and entitlements of care experienced young people and who is committed to ensuring service delivery of the highest standard in accordance with the Council's duties for our Care Experienced young people.
Merton’s Leaders are committed and focused on supporting our staff and families and keeping children and young people at the heart of our work. In Merton we have a blended practice model which combines Systemic Practice, Relationship Based Social Work and Signs of Safety and is embedded throughout all of our work with Children and Families. There is also a well-established and connected multiagency partnership and together we strive to:
- Keep children and young people at the heart of our work
- Learn from what we do to improve the experiences of children, young people, and families
- 'Think Family' and focus on the strengths within families and networks
- We are committed to doing what we say we will do
- We celebrate difference and diversity
- We celebrate the successes of our children and young people.
To be considered for this role of Team Manager you will need to be a qualified social worker, registered with Social Work England and with relevant experience in leadership skills, knowledge and experience in delivering statutory care leaving services and high impact and quality services to children and families. Successful candidates will lead and manage a team of 5 personal advisers, 2 qualified social workers and an income maximisation officer.
Team Manager - 16+ Care Experienced Team in Merton employer: Merton Council
Merton Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a tangible impact on the community. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive salaries, and generous holiday entitlements, we foster a culture of inclusivity and support. Located conveniently in Merton Civic Centre, our team enjoys easy access to public transport and the vibrant local area, making it an ideal place to grow your career while contributing to a cleaner, greener, and safer borough.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager - 16+ Care Experienced Team in Merton
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Merton Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Merton Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Merton Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Merton Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager - 16+ Care Experienced Team in Merton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Merton Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Merton Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merton Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
