Service Manager

Cafcass; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A children’s services organization in Greater Manchester is seeking a Service Manager. The role involves managing a mixed caseload, representing children in court, and ensuring high practice standards. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in children's social work and proven management experience. The role offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a real difference in children's lives.

Qualifications

• Registered with Social Work England.
• Organised, resilient, empathetic, supportive, and independent.

Responsibilities

• Manage mixed Public and Private Law caseload and represent children in court.
• Scrutinise the work of Local Authorities on behalf of children.
• Establish effective agency networks.

Skills

Expert knowledge of children’s social work

Effective practice management or supervisory experience

Practice educator experience

Ability to establish strong networks

Experience leading teams through change

Job description

Let us tell you a bit more about the role…

Being a Service Manager is very rewarding but as you would expect, challenging too. As well as being registered with Social Work England, you’ll be organised, resilient, empathetic, supportive and able to work independently.

In Work After First Hearing teams, Family Court Advisers - which is what we call our Social Workers - typically have a mixed Public and Private Law caseload. In Public Law this will include them telling the court about the child’s journey and experiences and explain their wishes and feelings, while also carrying out independent enquiries, scrutinising the work of the Local Authority and representing the child in court, alongside their appointed solicitor.

… and what we’re looking for.

We also think you for you to succeed and truly make a difference youshould be someone who has;

• Expert knowledge of children’s social work, including safeguarding, statutory and assessment frameworks
• A track record of highly effective practice management or supervisory experience
• Demonstrable experience of being a practice educator with the skills to continuously monitor, manage, develop and improve team and individual performance
• Proven ability to establish strong and effective networks with other agencies.
• Experience of leading individuals and teams through change

Next steps / timelines

If and when you are ready to apply, our application process is straightforward and quick to complete. You don’t need to complete your application in a single visit, you can start it and come back and amend your responses / update your CV, just make sure you come back before the closing date to submit.

Below we have given you an indication of a timetable we are hoping to work towards, although dates are subject to change.

Closing date :

Sunday 30th November 2025

Initial Interview :

Thursday 4th December 2025

Final Interview :

Thursday 11th and Friday 12th December 2025

We understand that starting a new role is a big decision, and you may require further information before applying. You can find out more about the role in the Job Description and there is a wealth of information about Cafcass on our Cafcass Careers page.

If you wish to speak with a member of the team for more specific information you can contact from our HR Resourcing team, providing your contact information and best times / methods to get hold of you.

Whilst we will always try and respond a.s.a.p. we wouldn’t want you to miss the closing date before we are able to. If this is the case, we recommend you apply and as part of your application you can ask questions, and this may allow us to contact you and provide you with the required information that will help you decide if you still wish to be considered.

Finally, in anticipation of your application being successful, you might want to read about the offer and pre-employment checks process. As part of your application you can highlight any concerns or questions about the pre-employment checks and we encourage all applicants to do so, safe in the knowledge such information will not be shared with individuals involved in the selection process.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Please be advised successful applicants will be subject to a range of pre-engagement checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS). In accordance with the DBS code of practice and our own policy, should an individual have a declared criminal offence an individual assessment will be completed. Further information on what the assessment covers can be found by viewing the Cafcass DBS policy.