Team Manager- Care Leaver Team

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About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high‑quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

This role will work closely with the other Team Manager in the Leaving Care team, leading a team of Leaving Care Personal Advisors and continuing progress and improvement in our Leaving Care Team which was graded Good in our last Ofsted inspection. The successful candidate will have a good understanding of issues relating to Care Leavers and a passion for improving outcomes for them. There will be a need to understand the relevant legislation and guidance and to maintain and share this in a fast moving area of social care. The Team Manager will share expertise and offer advice around the rights and entitlements of our young people, to ensure our services are fair and accessible. You will be joining a dynamic, supportive and committed team who are passionate about empowering young people to reach their goals and keen to further develop the service. You will supervise up to 6 leaving care personal advisers. You will also be responsible for undertaking regular Quality Assurance work and ensuring that team performance is good and that we continue to work within North Somerset Childrens Services practice model and our local and regional offer for care leavers.

Key Responsibilities

• Be responsible for managing a multi‑disciplined team to ensure service delivery through self and others and be part of the management team in the local area with collective responsibility for the strategic development of services in partnership with other professionals. This will include the efficient deployment of resources according to need and management of associated budgets.
• Ensure statutory childcare duties are met, national minimum standards and regulations are complied with, high standards of recognised professional practice are delivered, and operational staff and supervisors work effectively with partners from other agencies to support individual children and families and improve their life chances.
• To provide professional leadership, decision making advice, supervision and support of social workers and ensure appropriate decision making in line with delegated responsibilities.
• Ensure there is an effective duty system (where appropriate) within the team.
• Deliver the area of responsibility assigned to the postholder through the effective deployment of staff and other resources to meet the standards required and ensure children and young people have a positive experience in the care system and successful outcomes.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated. The role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way: 2‑3 days in the office. Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand. Training is provided to help balance work‑life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in‑office days for collaboration.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about Care Leavers, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria

• Registered as a social worker with Social Work England.
• Social Work Qualification, ie Social Work Degree or Diploma in Social Work.
• Achieved or commitment to study for a specialist PQ award or equivalent.
• Social Work qualification, ie social work degree, management qualification NVQ level 4 or working towards level 4 and 5 years post qualifying experience as a social worker.
• An approved professional qualification relevant to the area of work to give approved Social Work England registration, and practical experience of working with service user groups giving rise to a variety of technical skills and thorough understanding of the principles of the services available, work practices and processes.
• Specialist knowledge of childcare across the range of work procedures and practices underpinned by theoretical knowledge and relevant practical experience.
• Knowledge of National Minimum Standards for all areas of the service.
• Significant post qualification experience in relevant work area to give knowledge and understanding equivalent to a further advanced qualification in the service area, especially in management and leadership.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in‑house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Karl Knill, Head of Service for Corporate Parenting at karl.knill@n-somerset.gov.uk or call on 07585 547009.

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role. Interview Date: First week of December. Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.