Support Worker Team Manager

New Appointments Group; Whitstable; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 33 days

Life cover 2x basic salary

Westfield Health

Pension contribution 4% employer / 4%

Equipment provided

Mileage reimbursement

Referral scheme

6-month probation

Job summary

New Appointments Group in Kent is seeking a Support Worker Team Manager to oversee a field-based team of support workers, ensuring high-quality outcomes and compliance with safeguarding and Ofsted standards.

You will report to the Registered Service Manager, supervise day-to-day operations, manage workloads, conduct 1:1s and staff appraisals, and maintain records while liaising with social services, NHS and partner organisations.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in social care, supported living, or youth services.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and OFSTED standards.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a field-based team across Kent.
• Plan workloads and ensure timely 1:1s, appraisals, and care plan audits.
• Ensure contractual and legislative compliance and KPI delivery.
• Monitor staff performance and service delivery against KPIs.
• Provide safeguarding guidance to staff and young people.
• Cover staff absences and provide on-call support during peak times.
• Liaise with social services, NHS, charities and police as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure delivery of care plans.
• Promote independence and life skills for young people.
• Lead workforce planning, training and personal development initiatives.

Skills

Team leadership

Safeguarding

Stakeholder management

Autonomous work

Job description

Job Title: Support Worker Team Manager
Location: Kent (Field-Based)

Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Role:

We are recruiting on behalf of our client, a respected independent organisation supporting young people leaving care, including unaccompanied asylum‑seeking children (UASC), as they transition into adulthood and independent living.

This is a pivotal role, reporting to the KCC Registered Service Manager and overseeing the day‑to‑day operations of the Kent‑based Support Worker Team. You'll be responsible for delivering high‑quality outcomes, guiding your team, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and contractual obligations, including Ofsted standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, supervise and support a team of field‑based Support Workers across Kent
• Plan and prioritise workloads to ensure timely 1:1s, performance reviews, and care plan audits
• Manage team productivity, ensuring all contractual and legislative requirements are met
• Monitor, review, and report staff performance and service delivery against KPIs
• Provide guidance and safeguarding support to staff and young people living independently
• Cover staff absences and provide on‑call support during peak times or emergencies
• Liaise with a wide range of stakeholders (social services, NHS, charities, police, etc.)
• Maintain accurate records and ensure consistent delivery of care plans
• Promote independence and life skills among young people (e.g., budgeting, health, social engagement)
• Lead in workforce planning, training, and personal development initiatives
• Handle disciplinary, absence and performance matters professionally and in line with policy
• Ensure compliance with equality, diversity, safeguarding, and health & safety policies

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience managing support teams in a social care, supported living, or youth service environment
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, care planning and OFSTED standards
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Able to work autonomously and manage a remote, field‑based team
• Strong organisational and decision‑making skills
• Commitment to empowering young people and supporting their independence
• Full UK Driving Licence (essential)

What’s in it for you?

• 33 days annual leave (25 days + 8 bank holidays)
• Life Cover (2 x basic salary)
• Westfield Health membership (cashback on health services + discounts)
• Pension contribution (4% employer / 4% employee)
• Equipment provided (laptop, phone etc. as required)
• Mileage reimbursed (claimable from home)
• Referral scheme
• 6-month probation period

The role is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

This role is not open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points‑based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected, and any provisional offer withdrawn.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in line with the Equality Act 2010. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.