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- Tasks: Lead a team of social workers to support vulnerable children and families in Wandsworth.
- Company: Join a committed team focused on making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of children and families while developing your management skills.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification and experience in leadership within Children's Social Care.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a commitment to equality, diversity, and safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 52400 - 70000 £ per year.
Team Manager - Children Looked After Service
Up to £62,451 per annum
Fixed Term / Secondment (1 year)
Full Time (36 hours)
Wandsworth, London
Ofsted Rating: Good
Can you inspire, encourage and develop excellent social work practice to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people? Our goals and vision are all about keeping families together where it is safe to do so. We work with each family's strengths to help them meet the challenges they face, alongside supporting our practitioners to do the transformational work needed to reduce or prevent the need for children to be taken into care. When children do need to come into care, we want them to understand why, and we want to support them to achieve stability and permanence as soon as possible.
About the role
As a Team Manager in the Children Looked After Service, you will be responsible for leading a talented group of five Social Workers. You will be working collaboratively with your colleagues across the department and with partners, to deliver high-quality and responsive social work to some of the most vulnerable children and families in Wandsworth. You will be a valued member of the service and a leader and champion of exemplary practice, able to work with families to make changes, and to achieve early permanence for children when they cannot remain at home.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- You will hold social work qualification with Social Work England membership and have completed your ASYE Year.
- Proven experience of working across voluntary and statutory agencies with applied knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance.
- Experience of leadership and management within Children's Social Care Services, with specific knowledge and interest in services for Children Looked After.
- You will be a passionate and driven social worker who is looking to develop further your management experience in practice with disabled children and their families.
- You will be innovative and creative in your approach to delivering services to children and families and be able to work closely with your team and manager including multi-agency partners to provide a service that meets each child's needs.
- You will have an understanding and commitment to the changes we are implementing in response to Keeping Children Safe, Helping Families thrive and our Outstanding Practice Framework.
If you can see yourself promoting outstanding practice in Wandsworth and would like the opportunity to shape the lives of children and their families, we encourage you to apply for this position.
Contact details
For an informal discussion about the role please contact: Eric Mensah, Service Manager
Closing date: 22 February 2026
Shortlisting date: w/c 23 February 2026
Interview date: w/c 2 March 2026
We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.
We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave.
Team Manager - Children Looked After in London employer: Richmond and Wandsworth Council
Contact Detail:
Richmond and Wandsworth Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager - Children Looked After in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work and related fields. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about job openings or can give you insider tips on the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions specific to social work management. Think about how you would handle real-life scenarios that could come up in the role, especially those related to Children Looked After.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, share your experiences and what drives you in social work. Let them see your commitment to making a difference in children's lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the amazing work we do in Wandsworth.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager - Children Looked After in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and families. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you in this field.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Team Manager in the Children Looked After Service. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to our mission!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We may close the vacancy early if we receive enough applications, so get yours in as soon as you can! Applying through our website is the best way to ensure your application is considered.
How to prepare for a job interview at Richmond and Wandsworth Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest legislation and guidance related to children looked after. Brush up on your knowledge of relevant policies and frameworks, as this will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience within children's social care services. Think about times when you've inspired or developed your team, and be ready to discuss how you can bring that same energy to the new role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations involving vulnerable children and families. Practise your responses to these scenarios, focusing on your innovative and creative approaches to problem-solving.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your passion for social work shine through during the interview. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that illustrate your dedication to making a difference in the lives of children and families, and how you align with the organisation's vision.
