At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a team to improve outcomes for children and young people.
- Company: Thurrock Council, known for its supportive Children's Services Department.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment that values learning and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with management experience or aspiring Senior Social Worker.
The predicted salary is between 53460 - 61638 £ per year.
Salary: £53,460– £61,638 per annum (pro rata if part-time) Plus Market Supplement of £5K per annum
Grade: G
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced, energetic, and passionate qualified Social Worker with experience of managing/supervising Social Workers within a statutory setting. Either already a Team Manager or an aspiring Senior Social Worker, you will be a collaborative team player with the ability to motivate and empower your team. As a Team Manager you will lead and manage the team, ensuring the quality of practice and social work intervention is at the forefront of what we do, to improve outcomes for children and young people. You will work closely with your Service Manager and the Management team to foster an environment for staff where learning and development is embraced and encouraged.
Thurrock has a friendly and supportive Children's Services Department, and we work within the Signs of Safety model, use a contextual safeguarding approach and are passionate about developing social work staff with a good training and development offer.
What We’re Looking For
You will ideally have experience of Early Help, safeguarding, care planning and permanency, with the ability to think creatively and work in partnership with other colleagues and partner agencies to tackle the complex challenges we face as a sector.
Essential qualifications:
- Relevant social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England
- DBS Check: At Enhanced Level with Children's Barred List
Benefits of Working with Us
At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Staff discounts and local offers
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
*Market Supplement is Subject to Annual Review
Important Dates
Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 30th July 2026
Closing Date (Internal & External): 23rd August 2026
Interview Date: To Be Confirmed
Additional Information
If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact: Rachel Okuna - Service Manager, Family Help West Locality Rachel.Okuna@thurrock.gov.uk
To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below: Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
Application Requirements
As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management from when leaving full-time education is required for all Safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided (refer to the example document for guidance) and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application. Please provide a full history with explanations of any gaps and ensure you also upload a copy of your full CV. If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.
Team Manager - Family Help Service West Locality in Grays employer: Thurrock Council
Thurrock Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact local governance and community development. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will receive comprehensive support in your role as a Political Assistant, fostering both professional and personal development. The hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager - Family Help Service West Locality in Grays
✨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 Thurrock 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 Thurrock 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 Thurrock 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 Thurrock 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 - Family Help Service West Locality in Grays
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 Thurrock Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Thurrock 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 Thurrock 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.
