Participation Team Manager (Hybrid) - Missing Episode

Hertfordshire; Hemel Hempstead; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Hertfordshire County Council’s Children's Services are seeking a bold Participation Team Manager (West) to lead a countywide team that voices children and families. The role combines strategic leadership with operational delivery to shape missing episode services and influence practice across the county.

You will oversee a skilled team, build partnerships with schools, police and social care, and drive high-quality participation work that improves outcomes for children and families.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in children's social care or related statutory services.
• Experience managing, supervising or leading teams.
• Ability to develop partnerships across organisations and influence change.
• Excellent communication with diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a motivated team delivering participation and engagement activities across the county.
• Drive development of the Missing Episode Service and shape its vision and impact.
• Ensure effective return home discussions for missing young people to reduce risks.
• Collaborate with senior leaders, care services, education, police and partners.
• Use data and lived experience to identify trends and improve services.
• Represent Hertfordshire locally and nationally to influence service development.

Skills

Team Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Communication

Data Analysis

Strategic Planning

Job description

Hertfordshire County Council’s Children's Services are seeking a bold Participation Team Manager (West) to lead a countywide team that voices children and families. The role combines strategic leadership with operational delivery to shape missing episode services and influence practice across the county.

You will oversee a skilled team, build partnerships with schools, police and social care, and drive high-quality participation work that improves outcomes for children and families.