At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated team of social workers to improve outcomes for children in care.
- Company: Bury Council, committed to child-focused practice and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, and access to professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and proven experience in team management required.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with a focus on wellbeing and career growth.
Bury Council is looking for an experienced LAC Team Manager to lead a stable team of 6 practitioners (1 Advanced Practitioner and 5 Social Workers) and play a key role in Bury’s improvement journey. If you’re confident managing frontline practice, can make decisions at pace, and you genuinely care about outcomes for children in care — this is a brilliant opportunity to step into a service that’s moving forward.
You’ll be joining a supportive management group, working alongside two experienced Team Managers, with additional support from a Service Manager.
About the RoleThis is a leadership role within Bury’s Children in Care service, focused on strong oversight, quality assurance, and purposeful care planning. You’ll provide clear direction to your team, ensure statutory responsibilities are met, and drive consistent, high-quality practice for children and young people.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and manage a team of social workers and an Advanced Practitioner, providing clear direction and support
- Oversee casework across the LAC pathway, ensuring high-quality care planning and timely permanence progression
- Provide consistent supervision, guidance, and challenge to improve practice and decision making
- Monitor performance and standards, ensuring statutory timescales and safeguarding processes are met
- Quality assure reports and plans to maintain excellent standards of recording, analysis, and outcomes
- Work closely with partners and multi-agency professionals to ensure children receive coordinated support
- Contribute to service development and improvement priorities, embedding learning and best practice across the team
Bury Council is committed to strengths-based, child-focused practice and creating a supportive culture where professionals are empowered to do their best work. Inclusion sits at the heart of Bury’s wider strategy, with a clear focus on development, wellbeing, and continuous improvement across the workforce.
Requirements- Social Work qualification (CQSW, DipSW, BA/MA Social Work or equivalent)
- Social Work England registration
- Proven Team Manager experience within LAC/CIC or another frontline statutory children’s team
- Strong safeguarding knowledge and the ability to make clear decisions at pace
- Confident in leading performance, quality assurance, and professional supervision
- Able to work on-site 3 days per week in line with the team’s working arrangement
- 9-day working fortnight option
- Parking available nearby, with parking passes available via the council
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Flexible and agile working opportunities
- Access to learning & development (including apprenticeships up to Masters level)
- Health and wellbeing support through the Live Better Feel Better programme
- Greater Manchester Local Government Pension Scheme
- Salary sacrifice schemes (car parking, car leasing, cycle to work)
- Discounts and money-saving deals across retailers
Interviews will take place in person, and the hiring manager is happy to have an informal conversation with candidates beforehand if helpful.
Team Manager - Children in Care in Manchester employer: Sheldon Phillips Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sheldon Phillips Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager - Children in Care in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the service before your interview. Research Bury Council’s Children in Care service, understand their values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you show that you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led a team or made tough decisions. Be ready to share these during your interview to demonstrate your capability in managing frontline practice effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t hesitate to reach out for an informal chat with the hiring manager before the interview. It’s a great way to get a feel for the team culture and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it can give you some insider tips on what they’re really looking for!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and opportunities directly from us, making your job search smoother.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager - Children in Care in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, make sure to read the job description carefully. It’s important to understand what Bury Council is looking for in a Team Manager and how your experience aligns with their needs.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! We want to see how your skills and experiences specifically relate to the role of Team Manager in Children in Care. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant safeguarding knowledge.
Show Your Passion for Child-Focused Practice: Bury Council values strengths-based, child-focused practice. Make sure to express your genuine care for outcomes for children in care in your application. Share examples that demonstrate your commitment to improving children's lives.
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. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheldon Phillips Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the role and the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with Bury Council’s approach to children in care, especially their strengths-based, child-focused practice model. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Team Manager, your ability to lead and support a team is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully managed a team, improved performance, or made impactful decisions. Be ready to discuss how you can provide clear direction and support to your future team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your decision-making skills and safeguarding knowledge. Think about real-life scenarios you’ve faced in previous roles and how you handled them. This will demonstrate your ability to make clear decisions at pace, which is essential for this position.
✨Engage in Informal Chats
Take advantage of the opportunity for an informal conversation with the hiring manager before the interview. This can help you understand the team dynamics better and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to build rapport and make a positive impression!