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- Tasks: Lead safeguarding teams and oversee complex cases to ensure positive outcomes for children.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to high-quality practice in children's services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, welcome bonus, hybrid working, and a focus on staff wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding, court work, and managing social workers is essential.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with clear career progression opportunities.
Kingston & Richmond | Hybrid Working | Full Time
Salary: £56,376 – £59,511 (SCP 42–45)
Welcome Bonus: £3,000 Market Supplement: £3,000 per annum
Location: Twickenham / Kingston (Hybrid working available)
Social Personnel is proud to be recruiting experienced Social Work Team Leaders to join the Safeguarding Teams in Kingston and Richmond, working within Achieving for Children (AfC) — a forward-thinking organisation committed to high-quality practice and positive outcomes for children and families.
The Role
As a Team Leader, you will provide operational leadership and management across the Safeguarding Service, supporting the Head of Safeguarding and leading teams of Senior Practitioners and Social Workers. You will oversee complex safeguarding and court work, ensuring high-quality decision-making, strong risk management, and effective outcomes for children and young people. AfC operates a Signs of Safety practice model, promotes manageable caseloads, and offers a supportive management structure alongside flexible technology and hybrid working.
Key Responsibilities
- Casework supervision and professional support of Social Workers
- Supporting the overall management and development of the Safeguarding Team
- Undertaking and overseeing child and family assessments
- Leading and overseeing child protection enquiries
- Safety planning with children and families
- Direct work with children and young people
- Managing care proceedings and court work, including presenting evidence
- Quality assurance, performance oversight, and decision-making
- Representing AfC at operational and multi-agency meetings
About the Service
The Safeguarding Teams sit within Children’s Social Care and work with children and families from Child in Need through to final hearing. Work includes:
- Strategy discussions
- Child Protection Conferences and Reviews
- Child in Need planning and reviews
- Permanency planning
- Public law and court proceedings
Teams use contingency planning to anticipate risk, complexity, and changing circumstances, ensuring children remain at the centre of all decision-making.
About You
You will be an experienced, confident leader with a strong background in statutory safeguarding and court work. Essential requirements include:
- Significant experience in safeguarding, including complex cases and court work
- Experience managing Social Workers and/or Senior Practitioners
- Strong knowledge of permanency planning and care planning
- Proven ability to manage performance, quality, and professional development
- Experience of multi-agency working and risk management
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice
What’s On Offer
- Hybrid and flexible working
- Supportive leadership and manageable caseloads
- Clear focus on staff wellbeing, development, and progression
Apply Now
To apply, please submit your up-to-date CV today.
Social Work Team Leader – Safeguarding (Children’s Services) employer: Social Personnel
Contact Detail:
Social Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Team Leader – Safeguarding (Children’s Services)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might know about opportunities at Achieving for Children. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on the Signs of Safety practice model. Show us you understand how it works and how you can apply it in real-life scenarios. We love candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge and passion!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Keep an eye on our website and reach out directly if you see a role that excites you. Sometimes, expressing your interest can put you ahead of the game.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've managed teams and handled complex cases. We want to see how you can lead our Safeguarding Team to success!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Team Leader – Safeguarding (Children’s Services)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing your application, make sure to thoroughly read the job description. It’s packed with important details about what we’re looking for in a candidate, so take notes on key responsibilities and requirements that resonate with your experience.
Tailor Your CV: When crafting your CV, don’t just send a generic one. Tailor it to highlight your relevant experience in safeguarding and court work. Use keywords from the job description to show us you’re a perfect fit for the role!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Team Leader, we want to see your leadership style shine through. Include examples of how you’ve managed teams, supported professional development, and made impactful decisions in your previous roles. This is your chance to show us what you can bring to our Safeguarding Teams!
Apply Through Our Website: Once you’ve polished your CV, head over to our website to submit your application. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly, and we can’t wait to see what you’ve got to offer!
How to prepare for a job interview at Social Personnel
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Signs of Safety practice model and the key responsibilities of a Social Work Team Leader. Brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding, court work, and child protection processes. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also understand the complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led teams or managed complex cases. Highlight your ability to support and develop Social Workers, as well as how you’ve handled performance management and quality assurance. This is your chance to demonstrate your leadership style and how it aligns with the organisation’s values.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about specific scenarios related to safeguarding and decision-making. Think through potential situations you might face in the role and how you would approach them. This will help you articulate your thought process and risk management strategies effectively during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the support structure, and how the organisation measures success in safeguarding. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you.
