At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage court work quality, track care proceedings, and chair case progression reviews.
- Company: Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority serving the local community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; on-site at Civic Centre required a minimum of 3 days a week.
- Why this job: Play a vital role in ensuring timely court processes for children's services.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised Social Work qualification and extensive knowledge of family law.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Your New Organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role
Southend Council are looking to appoint a Court Progression Manager within Children’s Services within a 1‑year fixed term capacity. The successful candidate will currently be a Team Manager or experienced Advanced Practitioner who can focus on driving the quality and timeliness of court work. They will play a vital role in ensuring cases progress in line with statutory timescales and that children achieve permanence without delay.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and quality assure legal gateway referrals and PLO documentation
- Ensure written social evidence and assessments, plans and reports are of the highest standard, prepared in clear, comprehensible wording
- Track and monitor care proceedings, PLO, and private law cases using trackers, dashboards, and LCS
- Chair and coordinate PPMs and case progression reviews to prevent drift and delay, and appropriately escalates concerns
- Oversee assessments, permanence planning, and legal processes
- Provide quality assurance, guidance, and support to practitioners and managers across Family Help, CWD, AIPT, and CLA teams
- Use Power BI and data to monitor performance and produce reports
- Lead monthly tracking meetings and contribute to strategic forums
- Deliver training on PLO, care proceedings, CPRs, and court work
Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 3 days a week.
What you’ll need to succeed
- To be shortlisted for this position, you must be able to work in the UK, have a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England and have completed your ASYE
- Have extensive knowledge of family law and children’s legislation, including the application of the Public Law Outline and the conduct of Court Cases
- Experience of complex care proceedings, experience of preparing evidence, witness statements, care plans and giving oral evidence in court
- You need to have front line children's services experience, along with PLO, care proceedings, and court processes
- Be confident in managing timescales, data, and oversight of complex caseloads and skilled in quality assurance, analysis, and supporting practice improvement
What you’ll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. The council is committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.
All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
R2R103921 - Court Progression Manager - 12 months Fixed Term Contract employer: South End City Council
Join Southend on Sea City Council, located in Southend, offering a collaborative environment and diverse career opportunities. Enjoy benefits like flexible working and comprehensive training to support your professional growth while making a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103921 - Court Progression Manager - 12 months Fixed Term Contract
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to South End City Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103921 - Court Progression Manager - 12 months Fixed Term Contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of South End City Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at South End City Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with South End City Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary R2R103921 - Court Progression Manager - 12 months Fixed Term Contract role at South End City Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show South End City Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
