At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-quality, child-centred services and drive performance for children and families.
- Company: Join a dedicated team making a real difference in Somerset.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days annual leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence multi-agency initiatives and drive positive change.
- Why this job: Shape services and improve lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54282 - 54282 £ per year.
Salary £54,282 per annum including a £5,000 recruitment allowance which expires 30.06.2027. Permanent, 37 hours a week. 33 days annual leave (additional to bank holidays). Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.
Role summary
As a Service Manager – Social Work you will lead high-quality, child-centred services, drive performance and deliver key council priorities. You’ll provide strategic direction, ensure statutory compliance, and support transformation across the organisation. Working with senior leaders, Members and partners, you’ll ensure services are effective, efficient and continuously improving to achieve the best outcomes for children and families.
What you’ll do – key responsibilities
- You’ll lead a high-quality service that makes a real difference to children, young people and families across Somerset. Setting clear priorities and direction, you’ll drive service plans forward and use insight, feedback and data to continuously improve outcomes and the experience of those who rely on us.
- You’ll inspire and support a dedicated team, creating a positive, high-performing environment where people feel valued, challenged and motivated to deliver their best. Through strong leadership and practical oversight, you’ll ensure excellent practice, manage complex cases and resolve challenges with confidence.
- Working alongside partners and senior leaders, you’ll build strong relationships across agencies to deliver joined-up, effective support. You’ll also take ownership of resources and budgets, ensuring services are delivered efficiently, sustainably and to the highest standards.
- This is a role where your leadership will directly shape services, improve lives and help achieve the best possible outcomes for children and families.
What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills
- Strong knowledge of statutory, policy and strategic commissioning frameworks within local government.
- Understanding of performance management and quality assurance frameworks and how to implement them.
- Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusive service delivery.
- Significant experience working with senior stakeholders on complex issues and strategic direction.
- Experience delivering corporate projects and advising on policy development.
- Experience leading communication and engagement activity both internally and externally.
- Experience of partnership working, including influencing and leading multi-agency initiatives.
- Experience managing teams within children’s social care, including supervision, performance and workforce development.
- Relevant degree in Social Work and registration with Social Work England.
- Evidence of continuing professional development in a relevant specialist field.
- Ability to lead and manage change effectively.
- Professional, positive, adaptable and confident approach.
- Ability to work to deadlines and motivate others to deliver high standards.
- Commitment to diversity and inclusive practice.
- Innovative and creative approach to service improvement.
- Strong customer and community focus.
- High level of personal integrity and professionalism.
- Self-motivated with a proactive, “can do” attitude.
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills in complex situations.
- Ability to engage communities and support service redesign and change management.
Team Manager Children Looked After in Bridgwater employer: Somerset-Council-1
As a Team Manager for Children Looked After in Somerset, you will join a dedicated organisation that prioritises the well-being of children and families. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration, alongside an attractive salary package and generous annual leave. This role offers the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working within a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and excellence in service delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager Children Looked After in Bridgwater
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Somerset-Council-1.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Somerset-Council-1!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Somerset-Council-1, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Somerset-Council-1 or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager Children Looked After in Bridgwater
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Somerset-Council-1:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Somerset-Council-1! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset-Council-1
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
