Team Manager - Children Looked After

Team Manager - Children Looked After

Full-Time 52000 - 62000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team of social workers to support vulnerable children and families.
  • Company: Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership, committed to equality and diversity.
  • Benefits: Up to £62,451 salary, 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and generous pension.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and promote outstanding social work practice.
  • Qualifications: Social work qualification, leadership experience, and passion for supporting children.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent career development opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 52000 - 62000 £ per year.

Overview

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 - Eric.Mensah@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

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 (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.

Team Manager - Children Looked After employer: Richmond and Wandsworth Council

Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. With a strong commitment to professional development, our team enjoys a supportive work culture that values diversity and innovation, alongside generous benefits such as 40 days of annual leave and flexible working arrangements. Join us in Wandsworth, where you can lead a talented group of social workers and contribute to transformative practices that keep families together and support vulnerable children.
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Contact Detail:

Richmond and Wandsworth Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Team Manager - Children Looked After

✨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

Social Work Qualification
Social Work England Membership
Leadership and Management
Knowledge of Relevant Legislation
Experience in Children's Social Care Services
Innovative and Creative Problem Solving
Collaboration with Multi-Agency Partners
Commitment to Safeguarding
Understanding of Keeping Children Safe
Ability to Inspire and Develop Practice
Experience with Disabled Children and Families
Strong Communication Skills
Ability to Achieve Early Permanence for Children
Passion for Supporting Vulnerable Children and Families

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 you can inspire and develop excellent practice, so share your experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Team Manager in the Children Looked After Service. Highlight your leadership experience and knowledge of relevant legislation, as well as any innovative approaches you've taken in your previous roles. We love seeing how you connect your skills to our goals!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This helps us understand your qualifications and experiences without getting lost in jargon. Remember, clarity is key!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your progress. Don’t miss out on this opportunity—apply today!

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 the Ofsted framework and how it applies to the role. This will show that you’re not just passionate but also informed.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or managed challenging situations in social work. Think about specific instances where your leadership made a difference, especially in supporting vulnerable children and families.

✨Emphasise Collaboration

Highlight your experience working with multi-agency partners. Be ready to discuss how you’ve fostered collaboration in previous roles, as this is crucial for delivering high-quality social work services.

✨Be Ready to Discuss Change

Familiarise yourself with the changes being implemented in response to 'Keeping Children Safe, Helping Families Thrive'. Be prepared to share your thoughts on these changes and how you can contribute to their success in practice.

Team Manager - Children Looked After
Richmond and Wandsworth Council
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