Service Manager - CLA Aftercare & CWD

Thurrock Council; Grays; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in England is seeking a passionate Service Manager to lead efforts ensuring the wellbeing of children and young people in care. The ideal candidate will have leadership experience in children's social care, focusing on care planning and safeguarding. This role offers a supportive environment with comprehensive benefits, including flexible working and training opportunities.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Ongoing training and professional development

Employee assistance programme

Staff discounts

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leadership within a statutory children's social care setting.
• Experience in care planning, permanency, safeguarding, and corporate parenting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop teams to deliver high-quality practice.
• Ensure wellbeing and outcomes of children and young people.
• Foster a culture of learning and professional growth.

Skills

Leadership in social care

Care planning

Safeguarding

Collaborative partnership working

Education

Social work qualification

Job description

This is a dynamic and high-profile service, providing ongoing support and intervention for children and young people in care, care leavers and children and young people with disabilities, ensuring their needs are met and their voices are heard.

As a Service Manager, you will lead and develop your teams to deliver high-quality, relationship-based practice that prioritises the wellbeing and outcomes of every child and young person. You will foster a culture of learning, reflection and professional growth, ensuring your teams feel valued, supported, and empowered to excel.

We are seeking an experienced, energetic, and passionate qualified social worker with a proven track record of leadership within a statutory children's social care setting. You may already be an established Service Manager or an aspiring one, ready to take the next step in your career. You will bring strong experience in care planning, permanency, safeguarding and corporate parenting, with the ability to work innovatively and collaboratively across partnerships to meet the diverse and complex needs of our children and young people.

Essential qualifications: A social work qualification and be SWE Registered DBS Check: Enhanced with Children's Barred List DBS Check is required for this post.

At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Staff discounts and local offers
• A supportive and inclusive working environment