Service Manager, Children in Care — Lead Permanence

Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership; Stafford; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Staffordshire County Council is seeking a Service Manager – Children in Care to provide operational leadership across services for children in care and those preparing for adulthood. You will guarantee safe, stable, high-quality care while driving partnerships and continuous service improvement to achieve positive long-term outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have qualified and registered social work status, extensive multi-agency leadership experience, and a deep understanding of statutory

Qualifications

• Qualified and registered Social Worker.
• Substantial experience in managing teams within children's social care within a multi‑agency environment.
• Significant knowledge, understanding and experience of working with relevant legislation, policy and procedures relating to children in care.
• In‑depth understanding of statutory frameworks, national agendas and best practice for children in care.
• Experience of successfully developing and monitoring performance frameworks, quality assurance processes and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Children in Care teams, ensuring high-quality practice, effective care planning and positive outcomes for children and young people.
• Drive placement stability and permanence planning, helping children access the right care and support at the right time.
• Build strong partnerships with health, education, housing, police, carers and community organisations to deliver coordinated support.
• Monitor performance, quality assurance and service standards, using insight and learning to improve practice and outcomes.
• Lead, motivate and develop managers and teams, creating a culture of high performance, accountability and continuous learning.
• Manage resources, budgets and service improvement projects to ensure effective, sustainable and child-focused services.

Skills

Qualified and registered Social Worker

Team management experience

Job description

Staffordshire County Council is seeking a Service Manager – Children in Care to provide operational leadership across services for children in care and those preparing for adulthood. You will guarantee safe, stable, high-quality care while driving partnerships and continuous service improvement to achieve positive long-term outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have qualified and registered social work status, extensive multi-agency leadership experience, and a deep understanding of statutory