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 while developing your management skills.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification, leadership experience, and passion for child welfare.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 62000 £ per year.
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?
About Us
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 – 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 (Secondment) employer: Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
Contact Detail:
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager - Children Looked After (Secondment)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in similar roles. They can give you the inside scoop on what it’s really like and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the organisation's values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in making a real difference in the lives of children and families.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership and social work practice. We want to see how you inspire and develop your team!
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager - Children Looked After (Secondment)
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 specifically to the Team Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and knowledge of Children Looked After services, as this will show us that you understand the unique challenges and responsibilities of the position.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key skills and experiences outlined in the job description. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the best fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
✨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 be ready to discuss how it impacts your practice.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership experience within children's social care. Think about times when you've inspired or developed your team, and be ready to share how you can lead a group of social workers effectively.
✨Be Passionate and Personable
Demonstrate your passion for making a difference in the lives of children and families. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to social work and how you’ve positively impacted others.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the role and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can contribute to the service’s goals and vision.