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 professional development.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, and access to learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and proven management experience in children's services.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a focus on wellbeing and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 52413 - 53460 £ per year.
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 Role
This 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
Practice Model
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
Benefits
- 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
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 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
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the organisation before your interview. Research Bury Council’s Children in Care service, their values, and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their improvement journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led a team through challenges or improved practice. Be ready to discuss how you can bring that experience to Bury Council and support their mission for children in care.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from asking questions during the interview. It shows you’re engaged and keen to understand the role better. Ask about the team dynamics, the support available, and how they measure success in their services.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in children’s lives, so don’t hesitate to put yourself forward!
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager - Children in Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Team Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what Bury Council is looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Team Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and support a team. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on outcomes and improvements.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your passion for improving outcomes for children in care shines through in your writing.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheldon Phillips Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Team Manager in Children in Care. Brush up on your knowledge of statutory responsibilities, quality assurance, and care planning. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re ready to lead and support your team effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you provided direction, supervision, and support to improve practice. This will help demonstrate your capability to lead a stable team of practitioners.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Bury Council values working closely with partners and multi-agency professionals. Be ready to share experiences where you’ve collaborated effectively to ensure children receive coordinated support. Highlighting your teamwork skills will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Don’t forget to prepare some insightful questions for the hiring manager. Inquire about the council’s improvement journey or how they support their staff’s development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.