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- Tasks: Lead and manage Court and Permanence Services to support children and families effectively.
- Company: Nottinghamshire Children’s Social Care, committed to high-quality support and inclusive practices.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working, supportive environment, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Nottinghamshire Children’s Social Care are looking for a dedicated Service Manager to lead our Court and Permanence Services to deliver high quality support and progress plans to the children and families we work with. As the Service Manager, you will have overall responsibility for both service areas and the development and management of the practitioners within them. We are committed to working with the children and families within Nottinghamshire in a strength based way, and that we include wherever possible the families wider support networks, ensuring that they receive the right support at the right time. Our strengths-based practice framework uses a restorative approach, putting relationships at the centre of our work, and working creatively and supportively with children and families to ensure they are able to live together wherever possible.
Salary: £52,413 – £57,839 per annum
Type of vacancy: Permanent
Hours per week: 37
Work Base: Thoresby House, Ollerton, NG229FF
Working Arrangements: Hybrid
Interview date: 09/10/25 and 10/10/25
Closing Date: 28 September 2025 23:55
Responsibilities
- Your role within these teams will be varied, having overall oversight and management responsibility for legal planning meetings, care proceedings within Nottinghamshire and ensuring progression of adoption plans for children.
- You will support the teams in ensuring they respond to any immediate risk for children and families on a day to day basis
- You will ensure that both service areas are performing to a high level, making best use of the data within our Business Intelligence systems, but also ensuring that work is of a high quality.
- You will have direct line management responsibility for the Team Managers within the Court and Permanence Services, ensuring that Team Managers receive monthly quality supervision.
- You will work with Human Resources colleagues to address and progress any practice concerns.
- You will have responsibility for the budgets for both the Court and Permanence Service.
- You will work closely with other colleagues within Nottinghamshire Children’s Social Care including, the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub, Assessment Service, Family Support and Safeguarding Teams, Looked After Children Team, Fostering Services and Legal Services.
What you get when working with us
- Regular and effective 1-1 supervision
- Regular communication with the Designated Leadership Team
- Mobile and flexible working
- 2 days per annum (pro rata) protected time to record Continuous Professional Development with Social Work England
- Support from Nottinghamshire’s Human Resources team
- Business Support
- An Employee Performance and Development Review which is reviewed every 6 months
- A comprehensive range of CPD options
- Annual Leave Purchase Scheme
- Up to £5000 relocation package
- Local Government Pensions Scheme
- Excellent employee benefits and support services
About You
You will be passionate, creative and have experience in achieving the right outcomes for children within the Court arena, and for those children who have a plan of adoption within the context of the Government’s Families First Partnership Programme agenda.
You will demonstrate inclusive leadership and have significant experience in managing a team of social workers within Children’s Social Care.
You will have significant experience in chairing meetings with other professionals and being clear on the decisions you have taken within them.
You will be confident in driving forwards the Court and Permanence Services, whilst demonstrating the ability to work closely with internal colleagues.
You will have excellent communication skills which enable you to achieve positive working relationships with our colleagues within Health, the Police, Education, CAFCASS, Adoption East Midlands and other external services.
Appointment and equalities
Appointment to this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Disabled applicants who meet the essential shortlisting requirements will be guaranteed an interview. A job share scheme is available for all full-time posts: both permanent and temporary, unless otherwise stated. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks. Nottinghamshire County Council strives to ensure that it goes beyond the requirements of the Equalities Act and prides itself on being accredited as a Disability Confident Leader Organisation. The County Council encourages applications from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity status, age or sexual orientation.
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Nottinghamshire, England, United Kingdom
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Children\'s Service Manager employer: Nottinghamshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Nottinghamshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children\'s Service Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at Nottinghamshire. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Nottinghamshire Children’s Social Care. Understand their strengths-based approach and think of examples from your experience that align with their values. Show them you’re on the same page!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around leadership and team management. We all know how important it is to demonstrate your ability to drive services forward, so be ready to share your success stories.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Children\'s Service Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Children's Service Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Service Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, especially in social care settings.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and skills without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottinghamshire County Council
✨Know Your Strengths-Based Practice
Familiarise yourself with the strengths-based practice framework that Nottinghamshire Children’s Social Care uses. Be ready to discuss how you can apply this approach in your role as a Service Manager, particularly in relation to supporting children and families.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of your inclusive leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your experience in chairing meetings and making clear decisions, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Legal Landscape
Brush up on your knowledge of care proceedings and adoption plans. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure high-quality legal planning meetings and manage risks effectively within the Court and Permanence Services.
✨Communicate Effectively
Demonstrate your excellent communication skills by preparing to discuss how you build positive relationships with various stakeholders, including health services, education, and legal teams. Think of specific instances where your communication made a difference.
