Service Manager, Children in Care (Trauma‑Informed Lead)

Northamptonshire Children's Trust; England; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

SWE Registration paid yearly

Relocation costs up to £8,000

28 days annual leave plus bank hol

LGPS plus life cover

Employee assistance programme

Employee discounts

Flexible working arrangements

Career development opportunities

Subsidised town centre car parking

Job summary

Northamptonshire Children’s Trust is seeking an experienced Service Manager for Children in Care. You will lead a social work team to deliver safe, stable, and ambitious care planning, driving improvements and relational practice in partnership with stakeholders.

The role requires a qualified Social Worker with current registration, budget oversight, and senior leadership experience within statutory children’s services.

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration.
• Ability to manage a service and address development and performance through coaching.
• Experience with budgetary control and ICT skills.
• Senior leadership experience within statutory children’s social care services.
• Knowledge of statutory frameworks, Ofsted requirements and quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Deliver child-centred care planning focused on safety, stability, permanence and wellbeing.
• Lead service improvement and embed strong relational practice.
• Ensure performance, quality assurance and statutory compliance.
• Strengthen partnerships to support stability and outcomes.
• Lead production of service plans and monitor progress against Trust objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Relationship-building

Strategic planning

Coaching

Education

Social Work qualification

Social Work England registration

NVQ Management level 5 or equivalent

Tools

ICT skills

Job description

Northamptonshire Children’s Trust is seeking an experienced Service Manager for Children in Care. You will lead a social work team to deliver safe, stable, and ambitious care planning, driving improvements and relational practice in partnership with stakeholders.

The role requires a qualified Social Worker with current registration, budget oversight, and senior leadership experience within statutory children’s services.