Assistant Manager

Manchester City Council; Manchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 26 days’ annual leave

Buy up to two extra weeks’ leave

Job summary

Manchester City Council’s Children’s Services is seeking an Assistant Manager to support the leadership and day-to-day operation of an outreach service for at‑risk adolescents and families. You will help ensure safe, effective, outcome-focused support that keeps children within their family and community where possible.

You’ll lead complex casework, develop staff, and build strong multi‑agency partnerships to deliver coordinated interventions that improve outcomes for children and families.

Qualifications

• Experience leading and supervising staff within children's social care or related services.
• Proven ability to manage safeguarding concerns and assess risk effectively.
• Experience working with multi-agency partners to secure positive outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee complex casework with high safeguarding standards.
• Provide leadership, supervision, coaching and staff development.
• Develop and maintain multi-agency partnerships for coordinated interventions.
• Collaborate with social care teams, education, health, police and other partners.
• Support outreach and edge of care services delivery and improvement.

Skills

Leading and supervising staff

Safeguarding and risk assessment

Multi-agency collaboration

Education

NVQ Level 3 Working with Children and Young People or equivalent

Job description

Working Hours: 140 hours over a 4 week period. Our service works from 8am-10pm Monday to Sunday each week. Shifts compose of working earlies, lates, weekends and bank holidays.
Contract Type: Full term / Permanent
Working style: Onsite - Employees carry out their job primarily from a physical workplace, such as an office
Closing date: 11.59, 20 November 2026
Interview Method: In-person (Face to Face)

Skilled Worker Sponsorship

You must already have a valid right to work in the UK documentation, as we cannot offer visa sponsorship for this role.

As an Assistant Manager, you'll support the leadership and day-to-day operation of an outreach service that works with adolescents and families at risk of family breakdown, care entry, or placement instability. You'll help to ensure children and young people receive safe, effective, and outcome-focused support that enables them to remain within their family and community networks wherever possible.

You’ll help Manchester City Council's Children's Services to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and young people, ensuring safeguarding risks are identified and managed effectively. Your work will contribute to reducing the need for children to enter care, promoting stability within families, and supporting positive long-term outcomes for children and young people.

In this role you will:

• Lead and oversee complex casework, ensuring high standards of practice and effective safeguarding arrangements.
• Provide leadership, supervision, coaching and support to staff, promoting continuous learning and professional development.
• Develop and maintain strong multi-agency partnerships to deliver coordinated interventions and support for children, young people and families.
• Work with social care teams, education providers, health services, police, community organisations and other partner agencies.
• Support the delivery, development and continuous improvement of outreach and edge of care services.

For queries about the role, please contact the hiring manager, Val Jenkinson, at [e-mail] to arrange a convenient time to discuss the role. This route is for vacancy-related enquiries only and should not be used to submit applications.

Pre-employment Checks

• Qualification - NVQ Level 3 Working with Children and Young People or the equivalent
• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance- The post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice. We have a policy on the secure handling, storage and use of DBS information, as well as a policy on the recruitment and employment of ex-offenders. Both policies are available on request.
• If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to GOV UK for details for how to obtain your Police check or Certificates of Good Character.
• Essential Car - This post is a designated Essential Car User. Therefore, you must always hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use at work.
• Medical Clearance - Pre-placement health assessment (PPHA)
• Satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks where applicable.

For more information on these checks, please visit checks page.

We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people and families. You will have a strong understanding of safeguarding and child-centred practice, experience of managing complex and challenging situations, and the ability to lead, support and develop staff within a fast-paced environment. You will be committed to partnership working and delivering services that achieve meaningful and sustainable change for children and families.

Essential criteria

• Experience of leading and supervising staff within children's social care, residential childcare, outreach or related services.
• Proven ability to manage complex safeguarding concerns, assess risk effectively and make sound decisions to protect children and young people.
• Experience of working collaboratively with partner agencies, achieving positive outcomes for children, young people and families through effective multi-agency practice.

Use of AI You may use AI to support your application, but all examples must be your own and based on real experience. Applications may be withdrawn if content is misleading or presents someone else's experience as your own. Internal candidates may also face disciplinary action.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

Applicants who meet the essential shortlisting criteria and are eligible under the Guaranteed Assessment Scheme will be progressed to the assessment stage.

Support and Adjustments

If you’re successful in securing a role, we’ll make every effort to provide the support, equipment and reasonable adjustments you need to carry out your duties. Where needed, we’ll consider adapting aspects of the role. Find out more about our inclusion and wellbeing.

Working for Manchester City Council is a chance to make a real difference in a diverse city that leads change and improves lives. Whether you’re supporting communities or improving public services, you’ll help create opportunities and shape a better future for everyone.

Benefits we offer

• Up to 26 days’ annual leave,rising to 31 days after five years’service
• Buy up to two extra weeks’ leave