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- Tasks: Lead and support a team of social workers in children's services.
- Company: Vale of Glamorgan Council is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, free parking, and comprehensive training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a Social Work Degree and significant experience in a supervisory role.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to professional growth and well-being.
The predicted salary is between 42600 - 49400 £ per year.
Are you an experienced and dynamic Social Worker ready to take on a crucial leadership role at the front door of Children's Services? The Vale of Glamorgan Council is seeking a highly motivated Practitioner Manager / Assistant Team Manager to join their vital Intake and Assessment Team on a permanent basis. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape practice, mentor staff, and ensure high-quality, timely interventions for children and families.
Salary: £49,428 - £52,420 per annum
About the Role:
As a Practitioner Manager / Assistant Team Manager in the Intake and Assessment Team, you will play a pivotal role in leading and supporting a team of social workers who are the first point of contact for new referrals. This is a management position focused on guiding complex decision-making, ensuring robust assessments, and fostering a culture of excellence. Your responsibilities will typically include:
- Providing expert professional supervision, guidance, and mentorship to social workers and students within the team.
- Overseeing the screening and assessment of all initial enquiries, including child protection referrals (Section 47 enquiries), ensuring timely and appropriate responses.
- Supporting the team in making critical decisions regarding the level of need and the appropriate pathway for children and families (e.g., early help, statutory intervention, court proceedings).
- Contributing to the effective management of team resources, performance monitoring, and quality assurance processes.
- Deputising for the Team Manager in their absence, taking responsibility for operational management and decision-making as required.
- Working collaboratively with multi-agency partners to ensure integrated working and effective safeguarding.
- Contributing to the continuous development of practice within the team, embedding a strength-based approach and ensuring adherence to statutory requirements and local policies.
What We're Looking For:
- A Social Work Degree or equivalent relevant degree.
- Significant post-qualifying experience (ideally 5+ years) working with children and families in the UK, with proven experience in a senior practitioner, advanced practitioner, or supervisory/management role within an assessment or "front door" statutory setting.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex cases, supervise staff, and influence practice.
- Registered with Social Care Wales.
- An up-to-date Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service).
Benefits of Working with Vale of Glamorgan Council (Permanent Staff):
- Generous Pension Scheme: Membership to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Competitive Annual Leave: A generous leave allowance, with options to purchase additional days.
- Flexible Working Arrangements: Support for a healthy work-life balance, including agile working and potential for hybrid working (subject to service needs).
- Free Parking: Access to free parking at office locations.
- Comprehensive Training & Development: Regular supervision, continuous professional development opportunities, and access to internal and external training programs.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: Access to employee assistance programs and health support initiatives.
- Staff Recognition Schemes: Awards and initiatives to celebrate employee contributions.
- Supportive Management: A commitment to manageable workloads and approachable management.
Interested? For more details or to apply, call (phone number removed) or email at Seize this opportunity to advance your career in social work with Randstad and Cardiff Council. Apply now to make a difference!
Children\'s Practitioner Manager / Assistant Team Manager employer: Randstad Care
Contact Detail:
Randstad Care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children\'s Practitioner Manager / Assistant Team Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the social work field, especially those who have experience in management roles. Attend local events or workshops related to children's services to make connections and learn more about the specific challenges and expectations of the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest policies and practices in children's services, particularly those relevant to intake and assessment. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you have successfully mentored and supervised staff in the past. Be ready to provide examples of how you've influenced practice and made critical decisions in complex cases.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Vale of Glamorgan Council's values and recent initiatives in children's services. Tailoring your conversation to align with their goals will show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their team and making a positive impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Children\'s Practitioner Manager / Assistant Team Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in social work, particularly in leadership roles. Emphasise your skills in managing complex cases and mentoring staff, as these are crucial for the Practitioner Manager position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with children and families. Discuss your management style and how you plan to support and develop your team, aligning your values with those of the Vale of Glamorgan Council.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your Social Work Degree and any additional qualifications. Mention your registration with Social Care Wales and ensure you include your Enhanced DBS status, as these are essential requirements for the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience: Provide specific examples of your previous leadership roles, focusing on your ability to guide teams through complex decision-making processes. Highlight any successful initiatives you've led that improved service delivery or team performance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Care
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Practitioner Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, mentored staff, and made critical decisions in previous roles. Highlight your experience in managing complex cases and how you foster a culture of excellence.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you would oversee assessments, support decision-making processes, and manage team resources effectively. This shows that you are not only interested but also well-prepared for the role.
✨Emphasise Your Experience with Multi-Agency Collaboration
Collaboration is key in social work. Prepare to discuss your experience working with multi-agency partners and how you've ensured integrated working and effective safeguarding in past roles. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate complex systems and build strong professional relationships.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team's dynamics, the challenges they face, and the council's approach to child protection. This not only shows your interest in the position but also helps you assess if the role aligns with your career goals.
