Service Manager: Family Support & Protection

Essex County Council; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 69,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Essex County Council is seeking a Service Manager for Family Support and Protection in Mid Essex. The role leads FS&P teams, oversees services for children in need and protection plans, and collaborates with partners to ensure timely, effective responses while maintaining high professional standards.

You will work across divisions, shape practice direction, and support staff in a challenging environment, with a focus on relational and strengths-based approaches to achieve sustainable change.

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker with current registration (Social Work England).
• Significant experience in a social care setting with understanding of local delivery implications.
• Strong leadership to guide diverse teams and deliver outcomes.
• Experience working with internal and external partners across the system.

Responsibilities

• Operational planning and performance reviews to maintain excellent service delivery.
• Collaborate across functions and think commercially to deliver outcomes within budget.
• Nurture collaborative relationships with internal teams and external organisations.
• Implement changes and evaluate services to maintain high quality of care.
• Manage complex issues and resources to meet customer needs and deliver outcomes.
• Utilise digital technologies and drive innovation across the council and with stakeholders.
• Ensure equality and diversity is embedded in all decisions.
• Translate goals into practical working methods while managing appropriate risk.
• Deliver exemplar customer interactions to build strong relationships and trust.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Influencing

Relational practice

Strategic thinking

Education

Social work qualification (Dip/BA/Masters) with SW England registration

Job description

Essex County Council is seeking a Service Manager for Family Support and Protection in Mid Essex. The role leads FS&P teams, oversees services for children in need and protection plans, and collaborates with partners to ensure timely, effective responses while maintaining high professional standards.

You will work across divisions, shape practice direction, and support staff in a challenging environment, with a focus on relational and strengths-based approaches to achieve sustainable change.