At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team delivering high-quality social work services to children and families.
- Company: Cambridgeshire County Council, committed to safeguarding and supporting children.
- Benefits: Competitive pay up to £45.50 per hour and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with multi-agency partners.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and significant management experience in Children's Social Care.
Cambridgeshire County Council is seeking an experienced Children's Services Team Manager to support its Assessment Service, with additional responsibility for providing management cover across Family Support and Safeguarding teams as required. This is an excellent opportunity for a strong operational leader with a proven track record in safeguarding, service delivery and team development within statutory children's social care.
Rate: Up to £45.50 per hour (Umbrella)
Location: Awdry House, 110 Ramnoth Road, Wisbech, PE13 2JD
Working Pattern: Hybrid - 3 days per week in the office
You will lead and manage a team delivering high-quality social work services to children, young people and families, ensuring timely interventions and compliance with statutory requirements. Responsibilities include overseeing complex safeguarding cases, managing team performance, providing effective supervision, ensuring robust risk management, and working collaboratively with partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of high-quality Assessment, Family Support and Safeguarding services.
- Manage workload allocation, performance and service delivery within statutory timescales.
- Provide oversight and decision-making on complex child protection and safeguarding matters.
- Support social workers through regular supervision, coaching and development.
- Drive performance, quality assurance and service improvement initiatives.
- Work closely with multi-agency partners to ensure effective safeguarding and support plans.
- Contribute to audits, practice development and implementation of best practice standards.
- Deputise for Service Managers where required.
Requirements
- Recognised Social Work qualification.
- Current Social Work England registration.
- Significant management experience within Children's Social Care.
- Strong knowledge of assessment, safeguarding, child protection and statutory frameworks.
- Experience managing complex casework, performance and service delivery.
- Excellent leadership, communication and partnership-working skills.
- Full UK driving licence and ability to travel across the county.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. As this role is eligible for an Enhanced DBS check, applicants are required to declare any cautions and convictions that are not protected under current filtering rules.
If you are an experienced Children's Services Team Manager looking for your next interim opportunity, we'd love to hear from you. Please apply today.
Peripatetic Team Manager - Children's Services in Suffolk employer: Opus People Solutions Ltd
Opus People Solutions Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises sustainable outcomes for children and families. With a focus on professional development, employees have access to growth opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in their community while working in a hybrid role that promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peripatetic Team Manager - Children's Services in Suffolk
✨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 Opus People Solutions Ltd.
✨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 Opus People Solutions Ltd!
✨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 Opus People Solutions Ltd, 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 Opus People Solutions Ltd 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 Peripatetic Team Manager - Children's Services in Suffolk
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 Opus People Solutions Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Opus People Solutions Ltd! 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 Opus People Solutions Ltd
✨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.
