Impact Lead, Family Support & Protection

Essex County Council; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Essex County Council is seeking a Service Manager for Family Support and Protection to lead our FS&P teams working with children in need and child protection plans. You will shape practice, drive performance and collaborate with partners to deliver better outcomes.

The role requires strong leadership, systemic and strengths-based approaches, and the ability to navigate public law outlines and court processes. Mobility around Essex is essential, with DBS checks and inclusive recruitment.

Qualifications

• A recognised social work qualification (i.e. Diploma, degree or master's in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent) with current registration Social Work England.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners and stakeholders, demonstrating breadth of thinking across social care, partners, the wider council and the system.
• Significant experience within a social care setting, with a deep understanding of current social care issues and implications for delivery at local level.
• A deep understanding of strengths-based and relational intervention approaches and a drive to support meaningful change for children
• Strong leadership and behavioural skills with the ability to focus on results forging a highly performing and motivated team from diverse backgrounds to achieve objectives.
• Experience of successful delivery within a rapidly changing and ambiguous environment while managing conflicting priorities.
• Proven influencing skills with an ability to pro-actively lead and deliver cultural change to improve quality of service.

Responsibilities

• Operational planning and performance review to maintain exceptional service delivery and ensures the political objectives and priorities of the council are met.
• Working collaboratively within and across functions and thinking commercially to support the delivery of best possible outcomes for our customers on a financially sustainable basis.
• Maintaining and nurturing collaborative relationships with other teams in the function and external organisations that support the delivery of annual plans.
• Implementing changes and continually evaluating service to improve the area of work, while maintaining the highest possible levels of service quality are continually delivered.
• Managing complex issues and resources to meet the needs of customers and deliver the best possible outcomes.
• Effective utilisation of digital technologies and innovation across the council and with stakeholders and partners.
• Ensuring equality and diversity is celebrated and considered as part of all decisions taken.
• Using professional expertise to translate goals and plans into ways of working that comply with relevant legislation and statutory requirements and manages a level of appropriate risk.
• Managing the delivery of exemplar customer interactions to individuals and communities which support the management of strong relationships and a reputation for achieving outcomes and resolving issues.

Skills

Leadership

Collaborative work

Strategic thinking

Policy and governance

Influencing

Change management

Education

Qualified social worker

Job description

Essex County Council is seeking a Service Manager for Family Support and Protection to lead our FS&P teams working with children in need and child protection plans. You will shape practice, drive performance and collaborate with partners to deliver better outcomes.

The role requires strong leadership, systemic and strengths-based approaches, and the ability to navigate public law outlines and court processes. Mobility around Essex is essential, with DBS checks and inclusive recruitment.