Short Breaks Manager

The Methodist Church in Britain; Normanton on Trent; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday and bank holidays

Flexible working

LGPS pension

Life assurance—3x salary

Job summary

Reading Borough Council is seeking an experienced social work manager to oversee the Children and Young People with Disabilities team. You will manage Short Break Child in Need Practitioners and ASYE Social Workers, while handling a small caseload of complex cases including Mental Capacity Assessments.

The role involves guiding and mentoring staff, leading legal discussions for 16+ young people, and coordinating multi-agency meetings to ensure high-quality outcomes and smooth transitions to

Qualifications

• Recognised social work qualification.
• Registered with Social Work England.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support Short Break Child in Need Practitioners and ASYE Social Workers.
• Hold a small caseload of complex children and family cases.
• Undertake and quality assure Mental Capacity Assessments.
• Provide guidance, mentoring and specialist support to social workers on mental capacity work.
• Lead legal case discussions for young people aged 16+ where restrictions and High Court applications may be required.
• Represent the service at Continuing Healthcare Panels and multi-agency meetings.
• Support transition planning for young people moving into adult services.
• Work with partners to develop and improve short break services and pathways.
• Promote high-quality, child-centred practice and positive outcomes for children and young people with disabilities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Relationship building

Risk assessment

Reflective practice

Staff development

Education

Recognised social work qualification

Job description

This manager post sits within the Children and Young People with Disabilities team at Reading Borough Council, overseeing short break child in need practitioners and newly qualified social workers. It combines leading and supporting practice with a small caseload of complex cases, including mental capacity assessments and legal discussions for young people aged 16 and over. The post is hybrid, with three days a week in the office. Social Work England registration and three years' post-qualified experience are essential.

What the job involves

• Manage and support Short Break Child in Need Practitioners and ASYE Social Workers
• Hold a small caseload of complex children and family cases
• Undertake and quality assure Mental Capacity Assessments
• Provide guidance, mentoring and specialist support to social workers on mental capacity work
• Lead legal case discussions for young people aged 16+ where restrictions and High Court applications may be required
• Represent the service at Continuing Healthcare Panels and multi-agency meetings
• Support transition planning for young people moving into adult services
• Work with partners to develop and improve short break services and pathways
• Promote high-quality, child-centred practice and positive outcomes for children and young people with disabilities

Qualifications

• Recognised social work qualification

Registration & licences

• Social Work England registration

Experience

• At least three years' post-qualified social work experience
• Experience working with children, young people and families
• Experience undertaking Mental Capacity Assessments

Skills & knowledge

• Strong leadership, communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to manage complex situations, assess risk and make sound decisions
• Commitment to reflective practice, continuous improvement and developing others

What’s offered

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years, with the option to buy extra leave
• Flexible working opportunities
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Life assurance of three times annual salary (LGPS members)
• On-site day nursery at Kennet Day Nursery, rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season ticket loan for rail or bus travel to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme with insurance, servicing and road tax included
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in Reading