R2R103921 - Court Progression Manager - 12 months Fixed Term Contract in Southend-on-Sea

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.