Contact Service Team Manager

The salary range for this position is £54,636 – £58,953 per annum based on a 36 hour working week (full-time). This is a 6-month secondment opportunity. Please discuss with your current Line Manager before submitting your application. We are excited to be hiring a Contact Service Team Manager to join our fantastic Surrey Supervised Contact Service. The post will be based in Woking but has countywide responsibilities based on the principle that family-time should take place close to where a child lives. The post will also have oversight of family-time arrangements for children placed out of county and at a distance. Rewards and Benefits 26 days\’ holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years\’ service and 31 days after 5 years\’ service Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing Up to 5 days of carer\’s leave per year Paternity, adoption and dependents leave A generous local government salary related pension Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more 2 paid volunteering days per year Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resourcesAbout the Role Our \”service quality and \’comprehensive improvement programme\’ is having an improved impact for children in need or children who are the subject of a child protection plan in Surrey.\”- Ofsted- April 2024. Our Supervised Contact Service plays a vital role in facilitating meaningful, safe, and purposeful family time for children looked after, or who are subject to Special Guardianship Orders. We are now seeking a compassionate and experienced Contact Service Team Manager to join this essential service. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the experiences of children and families. As Team Manager, you will lead a dedicated and skilled team based across two sites: the Shaw Centre in Woking and the Woodlands Centre in Reigate. The team includes Team Leaders, Senior Contact Supervisors, Contact Supervisors, and Business Support staff. Together, you will ensure that supervised contact is delivered to the highest standards, always with the child\’s safety, wellbeing, and care plan at the heart of every decision. You will oversee the delivery of supervised family-time that is not only safe but also meaningful, supporting children to maintain and build positive relationships with their families. You\’ll ensure that each contact session is carefully risk-assessed and aligned with the child\’s care plan, and that the voices of children and their families are heard and reflected in planning and decision-making. The team produce written reports for court proceedings, care planning and the child\’s records, and Contact Supervisors observe interactions, intervening when necessary to prevent harm and promote the child\’s wellbeing. Family-time can take place at our designated centres: The Shaw or Woodlands Centre, or in the community, where appropriate. We also offer virtual supervised contact when in-person sessions are not possible or suitable. Shortlisting Criteria To be considered for shortlisting, your CV and personal statement will clearly evidence the following: A professional qualification in social work (CQSW, DipSW, or equivalent) and registration with Social Work England Proven experience in leading and developing teams within children\’s services A deep understanding of the role supervised family-time plays in care proceedings and permanence planning Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including families, social workers, and legal professionals A commitment to child-centred, trauma-informed, and strengths-based practice The job advert closes at 23:59 on 21/10/2025 with interviews planned for the week after, subject to shortlisting. We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit. An enhanced DBS \’Disclosure and Barring Service\’ check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children\’s and Adults\’ Barred List checks will be required for this role. Local Government Reorganisation Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas. Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Our Commitment Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where: The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application formOur application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups