Deputy Team Manager - Children with Disabilities Team

Thurrock Council; Grays; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Generous annual leave

Flexible working

Job summary

Thurrock Council is seeking a Deputy Team Manager for the Children with Disabilities Team. You will supervise three Social Workers, provide case supervision, and deputise for the Team Manager to ensure a safe, high-quality service for children and families.

The role requires SWE registration, strong leadership, and the ability to lead on quality assurance and continuous service improvement. Hybrid working and a supportive, reflective environment are offered.

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
• Significant post-qualifying experience in children's social care, including Children with Disabilities.
• Knowledge of the Children Act 1989/2004, Care Act, and SEND framework.
• Experience in safeguarding, risk assessment, and care planning for complex cases.
• Experience supervising social workers and practitioners.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise three social workers within the Review Team.
• Provide case supervision and direction.
• Deputise for the Team Manager.
• Oversee team performance and practice standards.
• Develop staff and embed reflective practice.
• Collaborate with multi-agency professionals.

Skills

Qualified Social Worker with SWE

Social Work England registration

Staff supervision

Safeguarding

Risk assessment

Multi-agency collaboration

Communication & reporting

Education

Social Work Degree and SWE registration

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Deputy Team Manager - Children with Disabilities Team

Salary up to £59,757 per annum*

(Salary: £47,130 to £53,757 per annum + Market Supplement of £6K per annum*)

Grade F

Permanent Contract

37 Hours per Week

We have an exciting opportunity for a Deputy Team Manager to join our Children with Disabilities Team at Thurrock Council.

We are seeking an experienced, energetic, and passionate qualified social worker with experience in a statutory setting. You will be a collaborative team player, able to motivate, support, and empower the staff you supervise. You will think creatively and work effectively in partnership with colleagues and multi-agency professionals.

About the Role

As a Deputy Team Manager, you will directly supervise three social workers within the Review Team, providing case supervision and clear direction. The Review Team supports children subject to Child in Need plans and undertakes the review and assessment of care packages.

You will deputise for the Team Manager as required, contributing to leadership and the day-to-day management of the team to ensure the delivery of a safe, high-quality service to children and families in line with legislation, guidance, and local policies. You will support the Team Manager in overseeing team performance and ensuring practice standards are maintained in line with national standards and corporate objectives.

You will hold a small caseload of complex cases and support colleagues to develop their skills and embed strong, reflective practice. You will be motivated to drive continuous improvement within the team and service, and able to build effective and timely relationships with key stakeholders.

You will join a dynamic, passionate, and committed team where interventions make a direct difference to the lives of children and families. You will receive regular reflective supervision. The Children with Disabilities Team benefits from a stable and permanent workforce, committed to delivering high-quality practice.

What We're Looking For

• A qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
• Significant post-qualifying experience in children's social care, including Children with Disabilities services.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989/2004, Care Act, and SEND framework.
• Demonstrable experience of safeguarding, risk assessment, and care planning for children with complex needs.
• Proven ability to support and develop staff, including supervising social workers and practitioners.
• Confidence in deputising for the Team Manager and contributing to operational management of the service.
• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Experience of working in multi-agency environments and building strong professional partnerships.
• Commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children, young people, and their families.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and recording skills.
• Ability to lead on quality assurance and drive continuous service improvement.
• Resilient, adaptable, and able to work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
• A clear understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion, particularly in relation to disability.
• Commitment to reflective practice, learning, and continuous professional development.

Thurrock Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Essential Qualifications:

Social Work Degree and registered with SWE.

DBS Check:

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, including a Children's Barred List check.

Important Dates

Closing Date (Internal & External): 15th November 2026

Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

Additional Information

If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact:

Sarah Hurley - Team Manager

[e-mail]

About Us

Why Thurrock?

Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.

Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.

This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.

Our location

Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.

We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.

Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.

Staff benefits

We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.

We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.