At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to support children in care and drive positive change.
- Company: Join Southwark, a forward-thinking local authority committed to impactful social work.
- Benefits: Part-time role with flexible hours, enhanced DBS check, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion while working towards anti-racist practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification, experience in children's services, and strong leadership abilities.
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.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking an experienced children's social care leader who is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for children in care. You will have:
- 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.
For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.
Contact Information:
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Nina Lehmann at nina.lehmann@southwark.gov.uk.
Additional Information
Fixed Term Contract (6 months temporary cover) Part time, 3 days per week Enhanced DBS check required.
Benefits and more information: https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/
Recruitment Timeline
Advert close date: 11:59pm on 13/11/2026 Shortlisting date: 17/11/2026 Interview date: 24/11/2026
Our Values and Behaviours:
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: About Southwark – Southwark.
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. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 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 Care Service (Temporary Cover 6 months) 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 Care Service (Temporary Cover 6 months) in London
✨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 Southwark 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 Team manager Care Service (Temporary Cover 6 months) in London
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 Southwark 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 Southwark 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 Southwark 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 Southwark 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 Team manager Care Service (Temporary Cover 6 months) role at Southwark 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 Southwark Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
