At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a social work team to improve outcomes for children and families in your community.
- Company: Join North Lanarkshire Council, committed to transforming services and supporting families.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for care-experienced applicants and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Professional Social Work qualification and significant management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 53000 - 60000 £ per year.
This vacancy is internal and open to applications from employees of North Lanarkshire Council and Associated Employers only. The "Apply now" button is not activated for this role. Please log into your MySelf account for further instructions on how to apply as an internal candidate.
We are looking for a creative leader with experience in managing a social work team, to join North Lanarkshire Council’s Education and Families Service. Responsible for the management of a Children & Families locality, you will play a key role in the authority to take forward our ambitious Plan for North Lanarkshire, and the council’s firm commitment to keep The Promise, to transform our services and improve outcomes for all in our communities.
The Education and Families Manager (Social Work) will have responsibility for the leadership and operational management for the Cumbernauld Locality, including designated integrated functions to support the development of the children and families’ service. As a member of the extended Leadership Team for Education and Families, you will also have a key role in developing and supporting integrated practice within the Education and Families service and in working with internal and external partners, to ensure children and their families receive the right support at the right time and drive improvement.
You will have responsibility for a range of strategic and operational functions within and beyond the locality relating to continuous improvement, quality assurance and practice improvement. Your locality leadership will ensure appropriate professional practice and governance arrangements to ensure children and their families receive a high-quality service that is relationship and rights-based. You will work closely with adult social work colleagues including justice in key areas of service planning and professional social work practice development.
We are looking for someone who is committed to involving children, young people and developing services and approaches around the needs of children and their families. You will lead practice to deliver improved outcomes for children and young people, creating a culture that values and practises in a trauma-informed and relationship-based way.
Line management responsibility for the post lies with the Senior Education and Families Manager (Social Work), Children & Families. A professional qualification in Social Work with significant management experience within Social Work is essential. Experience in the leadership and development of modern services and knowledge of the current Social Work agenda, and statutory framework are also essential. A relevant Post Graduate Management or Leadership qualification is desirable.
You will require to become a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme member prior to commencing in this role and you will be registered or eligible for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
Working Pattern: Monday - Thursday: 08:45am - 16:45pm, Friday: 08:45am - 16:15pm.
North Lanarkshire Council is committed to Keeping The Promise. This means that if you have ever been in care (looked after at home with a social worker, lived with a relative other than your parents, experienced foster, residential or secure care) you are entitled to a guaranteed interview for this post, as long as you meet the essential criteria of the person specification/job description.
North Lanarkshire Council has reached its current allocation of Certificates of Sponsorship and, as a result, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time. We are a Disability Confident Leader and offer a guaranteed interview to applicants who consider themselves to be disabled, as long as they meet the essential criteria of the person specification/job description. We have also adopted the Armed Forces Community Covenant to show our support for service personnel, veterans and their families. We offer a guaranteed interview for service leavers, spouses, reservists and veterans, as long as they meet the essential criteria of the person specification/job description.
If you’re considering a career with us, you’ll be keen to know what’s in it for you. We have a great package of benefits available, from health and wellbeing to finances and family. This includes 27 days annual leave and 6 public holidays, and a wide range of benefits available to you. We also have a full package of learning and development through our learning academy LearnNL to help you reach your full potential and further your career.
Education and Families Manager - REQ05387 - 457455 employer: North Lanarkshire Council
North Lanarkshire Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to flexible working, comprehensive benefits including 27 days of annual leave, and a dedicated learning academy, the council fosters a supportive work culture that empowers staff to make a meaningful impact in the community. Joining the Education and Families Service means being part of a forward-thinking team that values trauma-informed practices and actively involves children and families in service development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Education and Families Manager - REQ05387 - 457455
✨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 North Lanarkshire 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 North Lanarkshire 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 North Lanarkshire 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 North Lanarkshire 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 Education and Families Manager - REQ05387 - 457455
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 North Lanarkshire Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to North Lanarkshire 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 North Lanarkshire 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.
