At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a team of social workers in children's services.
- Company: Vale of Glamorgan Council, committed to high-quality social work.
- Benefits: Generous pension, flexible working, training opportunities, and health support.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive management culture and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Social Work Degree and significant experience in a supervisory role.
The predicted salary is between 49428 - 52420 £ 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!
Lead Practitioner Manager – Front-Door Social Work (Hybrid) in Wales employer: Randstad Care
The Vale of Glamorgan Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff, offering a comprehensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and extensive training opportunities. With a supportive management culture and a commitment to maintaining manageable workloads, this role as a Lead Practitioner Manager in the Intake and Assessment Team provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families while advancing your career in social work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Practitioner Manager – Front-Door Social Work (Hybrid) in Wales
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work, especially those who might know someone at Vale of Glamorgan Council. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your leadership skills and case management strategies. Think of examples from your experience that showcase your ability to mentor and guide others—this is what they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for child welfare during the interview. Talk about your commitment to high-quality interventions and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles. Let them see your dedication!
✨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 take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Practitioner Manager – Front-Door Social Work (Hybrid) in Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your relevant experience in social work, especially in leadership and assessment roles, to show us you’re the perfect fit for the Practitioner Manager position.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills have made a difference in your previous roles. Use specific examples that reflect your ability to manage complex cases and mentor staff, as this is key for us at Vale of Glamorgan Council.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free from jargon. This will help us quickly see your strengths and suitability for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Vale of Glamorgan Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Care
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of social work practices, especially around intake and assessment. Familiarise yourself with the latest policies and frameworks relevant to children's services, as this will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in mentoring and supervising social workers. Think about specific situations where you've guided complex decision-making or improved team performance, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Be ready to discuss how you can shape practice within the Intake and Assessment Team. Reflect on how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities of the role, such as ensuring timely interventions and fostering a culture of excellence.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the team's dynamics, challenges they face, and how they measure success. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals.
