At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a mixed team of Social Workers and Short Breaks Coordinators in child protection.
- Company: Join Stockport’s evolving Children with Disabilities Service during a time of significant investment.
- Benefits: Access to a dedicated CWD Service Lead and opportunities for leadership growth.
- Other info: The role is office-based at Stopford House with some home working.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a service focused on improving outcomes for vulnerable children.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in Children’s Social Care and expertise in safeguarding children.
This is a unique opportunity to take on a leadership role within Stockport’s evolving Children with Disabilities (CWD) Service at a time of real investment and ambition. As a Team Leader, you will co‑lead a mixed team of Social Workers and Short Breaks Coordinators, shaping practice for children who sit at the intersection of disability and safeguarding. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in complexity, where high‑quality child protection work must be delivered with a deep understanding of disability, communication needs, and family dynamics.
Working in close partnership with another Team Leader, you will provide strong, visible leadership, driving high standards of practice, supporting professional curiosity, and ensuring that risk is understood and responded to with confidence and expertise.
About You
We are looking for an experienced and values‑driven leader with a specialist skillset in child protection and disability. You will bring:
- Proven leadership experience within Children’s Social Care, with the ability to inspire, challenge, and develop practitioners
- Strong expertise in safeguarding children, including understanding the additional vulnerabilities and barriers that children with disabilities may face
- Confidence in leading complex decision‑making and managing risk in high‑stakes situations
- A passion for championing the voice of the child, ensuring every child is seen, heard, and understood, regardless of communication needs
- A commitment to multi‑agency working, recognising that the best outcomes are achieved through strong, collaborative partnerships
- Drive and vision to embed excellent, relationship‑based practice and continuously improve service delivery
- You will be someone who not only understands the challenges of this work, but is motivated by the opportunity to lead change and make a lasting difference to some of our most vulnerable children.
About Us
Stockport’s Children with Disabilities Service is on an exciting journey. We have made significant investment to strengthen leadership, develop specialist practice, and ensure our children receive the right support at the right time. You’ll be part of a supportive and highly skilled service, working alongside another CWD Team Leader, with access to:
- A dedicated and experienced CWD Service Lead and DSCO
- A strong focus on practice development and leadership growth
- Opportunities to shape our commissioning strategy and influence service design
- Clear strategic priority on Preparation for Adulthood, ensuring better long‑term outcomes for young people
This is a role where your expertise in disability and safeguarding will be truly valued, and where you can play a key part in shaping the future of the service.
Contact: Suzannah Sammons suzannah.sammons@stockport.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the role. The successful applicant’s appointment will be subject to satisfactory pre‑employment clearances including a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Stockport Council holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not currently qualify. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities.
Children with Disabilities Team Leader employer: Stockport Council
Stockport’s Children with Disabilities Service is committed to enhancing leadership and specialist practice. Located in Stopford House, the team focuses on multi-agency collaboration to ensure children receive timely support. Join a supportive environment that values your expertise in disability and safeguarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children with Disabilities Team Leader
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Stockport Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Stockport Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Children with Disabilities Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Stockport Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stockport Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Stockport Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Stockport Council.
