Team Manager - Children in Care in England

The States of Guernsey are looking for a Team Manager to join the Children In Care Team within Children and Family Community Services.

Main duties of the job:

• Provide effective leadership and supervision to the Children in Care (CIC) Team and Leaving Care Services.
• Manage the effective provision of social work services provided by the CIC Team and Leaving Care Service.
• Ensure the core functions of the team operate to a good quality and are effective in safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children.
• Develop and sustain resources whilst maintaining morale, flexibility and quality of service.

About Us:

The Island of Guernsey is in the English Channel in the Bay of St Malo, 50km off the north‑west coast of France and 120km from the English coast. Guernsey has a population of around 63,000 and in Alderney just under 2,000. Working in a relatively small Health and Social Care Service like ours means you can effectively work with colleagues across the services, health and social care professionals can collaborate not only with each other but also other agencies, the third sector and the community. We offer an attractive relocation policy and competitive salaries with great career opportunities, modern facilities, excellent training, revalidation and registration support and a healthy work‑life balance. As a health or social care professional who chooses to join our team, you can look forward to working in an environment that gives you the time to care that you hoped for when choosing this career.

Job responsibilities:

• Provide effective leadership and supervision to the Children in Care (CIC) Team and Leaving Care Services.
• Manage the effective provision of social work services provided by the CIC Team and Leaving Care Service.
• Ensure the core functions of the team operate to a good quality and are effective in safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children.
• Develop and sustain resources whilst maintaining morale, flexibility and quality of service.

Person Specification:

Experience – Essential:

• Significant post qualifying experience in social work with children and families which must include experience of Child Protection Work.
• In depth knowledge and understanding of legislation, regulations and procedures that affect children and a good knowledge of Child Care Practice, particularly in relations to Child Protection and Care Requirements/Compulsion.
• Excellent organisational skills and an ability to prioritise plan and deliver a range of activities within the requirements of the post.
• Experience of managing and supervising Social Care Professionals, including undertaking Child Protection Investigations.
• Experience of chairing Child Protection Strategy discussions.
• Ability to assess and manage risk within a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrably good written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent skills in building and maintaining relationships with staff and partner agencies.
• Ability to make sound judgments and decisions with confidence.
• Understanding of performance management.
• Ability to cope in stressful situations and provide calm and effective leadership.
• Ability to motivate oneself and others.
• Be in possession of a clean and current driving licence.
• Ability to use information technology confidently and effectively.
• Committed to promoting anti‑discriminatory practice and equal opportunities.
• Commitment to working in partnership with young children and young people and their families.
• Committed to promoting family life, ensuring wherever possible that children and young people are cared for safely in their own family/community.
• Commitment to the development of other team members and one’s own personal development.

Qualifications – Essential:

• Recognised Social Care Qualification e.g., Diploma/Degree in Social Work or CQSW and registration with Social Work England.
• Hold a management qualification, e.g., CMI Level 3 and willingness to work towards CMI Level 5.
• Professional knowledge acquired through degree/diploma.
• Post qualifying experience in direct services to children, families, and young people.
• Management experience in social care.

Qualifications – Desirable:

• Management Qualification, e.g., CMI Level 5 or equivalent.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check:

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship:

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

UK Registration:

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details:

Employer name: States of Guernsey

Address: Princess Elizabeth Hospital, Le Vauquiedor, St. Martin, Guernsey GY4 6UU