At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to support children in care and drive positive change.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking local authority committed to impactful, relationship-based practice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification and experience in children's social care required.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Do you see yourself leading a high-performing team that puts children's experiences, relationships and long-term outcomes at the centre of everything it does?
Can you use your experience of children in care, permanence planning and team leadership to drive high-quality practice and create lasting change for children and young people?
Does the idea of joining a forward-thinking local authority with a strong commitment to relationship-based, trauma-informed and anti-racist practice appeal to you?
If yes, we have the perfect role for you!
Our Care 0-16 Service is looking for a passionate and dedicated Team Manager to join our amazing team and help make a difference today.
What You'll Be Doing As Team Manager, you will provide strong, visible leadership to a team of social workers and senior social workers supporting children in care aged 0-16.
You will oversee high-quality care planning, permanence planning and safeguarding activity, ensuring children receive safe, stable and nurturing care experiences.
You will provide effective management oversight, reflective supervision and professional challenge, supporting practitioners to deliver relationship-based interventions that achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
Working closely with partner agencies, carers and families, you will ensure plans progress without delay and that children's voices remain central to decision‑making.
- A recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
- Significant experience within statutory children's social care, including children in care services.
- Experience of leading, supervising and developing social work practitioners.
- Strong knowledge of care planning, permanence, safeguarding and statutory responsibilities.
- The ability to provide clear, analytical management oversight and make evidence-informed decisions.
- A commitment to anti‑racist, anti‑oppressive and relationship‑based practice.
- Excellent communication, partnership working and leadership skills.
At Southwark, our REACH values are at the heart of everything we do.
We are committed to being Resident‑focused, Empowering, Accountable, Collaborative and Honest, in how we work with colleagues, residents, partners and communities.
We welcome applications from people who share these values and are passionate about making a positive difference to our borough.
To learn more about our REACH values and behaviours, please visit: The closing date is given as a guide.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received.
This vacancy is subject to the council's redeployment arrangements.
Eligible redeployees will be considered first, and the vacancy may be withdrawn if a suitable redeployee is appointed.
We are an organisation that is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities.
This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative.
We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people.
To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long‑term health condition
Team Manager in London employer: Southwark Council
Southwark Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and collaboration. As a Legal Disrepair Specialist, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while benefiting from a range of professional growth opportunities and a commitment to work-life balance in a vibrant London location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager in London
✨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 Southwark Council.
✨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 Southwark Council!
✨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 Southwark Council, 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 Southwark Council 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 in London
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 Southwark Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Southwark Council! 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 Southwark Council
✨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.
