At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated team supporting adults in the criminal justice system.
- Company: Join a top-rated not-for-profit organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others and experience in team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 28500 - 31500 £ per year.
Full Time | Fixed Term until 31/03/2027
Base: Harlow (with travel across Essex)
Salary: £28,500 + £3,000 Market Supplement (subject to review)
Are you ready to step into a management role where you can lead with purpose, develop your career, and make a real difference? We're looking for an experienced or aspiring Team Manager to join our Futures Together Criminal Justice team in Essex, leading a dedicated service in Harlow that supports adults facing multiple disadvantages. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and wants to build leadership experience in a service where the impact of your work is visible every day.
About the Role
As Team Manager, you will lead a small, committed team delivering high-quality, person-centred support to individuals in the criminal justice system. Many of the people we support experience challenges such as substance or alcohol use, mental or physical health needs, and learning difficulties.
- Lead, motivate and develop a small frontline team
- Oversee safeguarding, risk management, and quality of delivery
- Ensure accurate data reporting and strong performance outcomes
- Build and maintain effective partnerships with Probation, health services and local organisations
- Play a key role in shaping and improving service delivery
This role offers a high level of responsibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact both within your team and across the wider system.
Location & Working Pattern
This role is primarily based in Harlow, with travel across Essex as required. We support flexible working arrangements where possible to help maintain a positive work-life balance.
What We're Looking For
- A genuine passion for supporting people facing multiple disadvantage
- Experience supervising, supporting or leading staff within a team setting
- Strong decision-making skills, particularly around safeguarding and risk
- The ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication and partnership-building skills
- Confidence using Microsoft Office and case management systems
Experience within criminal justice, substance use, mental health, housing or a related field is highly desirable, but we also welcome candidates with transferable leadership experience.
Why Join Us
Joining us means becoming part of an organisation recognised as one of the Best 100 Not for Profit Companies to Work For. We will support you to grow, develop and thrive.
- Salary starting at £28,500 + £3,000 Market Supplement
- 25 days' annual leave + Bank Holidays
- Pension scheme, life assurance and season ticket loan
- Occupational sick pay and eye care vouchers
- Access to wellbeing initiatives and support
- Ongoing training and development through our PXL learning platform
This role is particularly suited to someone looking to take the next step into management or build experience that supports progression into more senior leadership roles.
Our Commitment to You
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with lived experience. You'll be supported from day one with structured onboarding, regular supervision, and opportunities to develop your leadership skills.
Team Manager in Harlow employer: PhoenixFutures
Phoenix Futures is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work environment at Ophelia House in Kidlington. With a focus on employee wellbeing and career development, we provide comprehensive benefits and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of women recovering from trauma. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values your contributions and fosters personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager in Harlow
✨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 PhoenixFutures.
✨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 PhoenixFutures!
✨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 PhoenixFutures, 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 PhoenixFutures 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 in Harlow
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 PhoenixFutures:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to PhoenixFutures! 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 PhoenixFutures
✨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.
