At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of Social Workers managing complex cases in Children's Services.
- Company: Durham County Council, committed to child-centred practice and staff development.
- Benefits: Earn £37.66 per hour with flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Join a supportive local authority for up to 6 months with career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised Social Work qualification and SWE registration.
The predicted salary is between 37.66 - 37.66 £ per hour.
Location: Durham, County Durham
Authority: Durham County Council (Children & Families Services)
Pay Rate: £37.66 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: Full-Time Locum Assignment (Up to 6 months short-term sickness cover)
Working Pattern: Hybrid / Flexible working arrangements
Durham County Council is recruiting an experienced Agency Team Manager to provide leadership and short-term cover for up to 6 months within a busy frontline Children's Social Work team. Offering £37.66 per hour, this is an excellent opportunity to manage complex statutory caseloads while driving service quality and supporting staff progression.
About the Role & Practice Area: You will lead and support a team of Social Workers and Family Workers managing complex statutory cases across Safeguarding, Child Protection (CP), Child in Need (CIN), Public Law Outline (PLO), and Care Proceedings. You will provide daily management oversight, ensure statutory compliance, and champion child-centred decision-making.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operational Management & Supervision: Provide day-to-day management, coaching, and reflective supervision to Social Workers and Family Workers.
- Caseload & Statutory Oversight: Oversee complex CP, CIN, PLO, and Court Work cases, ensuring assessments, plans, and court documentation are completed to high standards within timescales.
- Decision-Making & Strategy: Lead on robust risk assessments, case direction, and management decision-making; chair legal planning meetings and strategy discussions.
- Performance & Quality Assurance: Monitor team performance, caseload distributions, and statutory compliance while maintaining effective multi-agency collaboration with legal services, IROs, and senior leadership.
- Child-Centred Practice: Ensure the voice of the child remains central to all assessment, planning, and care proceedings.
What We Are Looking For:
- Qualifications & SWE: Recognised Social Work qualification and active registration with Social Work England (SWE).
- Management Experience: Proven experience as a Team Manager or Advanced Practitioner within statutory Children's Services (specifically Safeguarding, PLO, and Court Work).
- Court & PLO Expertise: In-depth working knowledge of Public Law Outline procedures, care proceedings, and court frameworks.
- Leadership Skills: Strong decision-making, risk assessment, and performance-driving skills in demanding frontline settings.
Why Apply?
- Competitive Rate: £37.66 per hour.
- Contract Stability: Secure up to 6 months of cover in a supportive local authority.
- Leadership & Impact: Play a pivotal role in driving team performance and maintaining child-focused practice standards.
Apply Today
Team Manager - Short-Term Cover & Progression in Durham employer: Randstad Care Careers
Randstad offers a unique opportunity for care home workers to thrive in the stunning Scottish Islands, where you can enjoy a fulfilling career while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. With a strong focus on employee growth and a supportive work culture, we provide our team with the chance to make a meaningful impact in small communities, all while enjoying the benefits of flexible hours and a rewarding lifestyle. Join us to experience the perfect blend of professional development and personal adventure in one of the UK's most beautiful regions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager - Short-Term Cover & Progression in Durham
✨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 Randstad Care Careers.
✨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 Randstad Care Careers!
✨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 Randstad Care Careers, 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 Randstad Care Careers 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 - Short-Term Cover & Progression in Durham
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 Randstad Care Careers:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Randstad Care Careers! 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 Randstad Care Careers
✨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.
