Team Manager - Children and Families

Stockton Council; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local borough council in England is seeking a Team Manager to lead social workers and ensure high-quality practice for children and families. This role demands proven leadership and excellent communication skills, with a focus on developing a high-performing team. The successful candidate will oversee social care services, manage resources, and drive a positive culture within the organization. Exceptional benefits and professional development opportunities are offered, in a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Continuous professional development

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leadership or management within children’s services.
• Strong decision-making and risk assessment skills.
• Ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and direction to social workers.
• Oversee services for children with specific plans.
• Drive quality and consistency in service delivery.
• Manage resources effectively, including budgets and staffing.
• Champion a positive workforce culture focused on collaboration.

Skills

Leadership experience

Risk assessment skills

Partnership-building skills

Communication skills

Education

Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration

Job description

Further Information Our Children’s Services is focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for our children and young people in Stockton-on-Tees. We are dedicated to creating an environment where social work practice can thrive, where our teams are encouraged to be innovative and creative to ensure the services we offer to children and families help improve their lives.

We are looking for a Team Manager who will ensure that our social workers feel supported and that high quality practice is consistently delivered to all children and families.

As Team Manager, you will:

• Provide visionary leadership and direction to social workers
• Oversee social care services for children who have a child in need plan or child protection plan, including those who may be involved in PLO and court proceedings
• Drive quality and consistency, embedding strengths-based and systemic approaches.
• Build strong partnerships with agencies and stakeholders to improve referral quality and joint working.
• Manage resources effectively, including budgets, staffing, and performance targets.
• Champion a positive, innovative workforce culture focused on collaboration and continuous improvement.

What we’re looking for:

• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
• Proven experience in leadership or management within children’s services.
• Strong decision-making and risk assessment skills.
• Ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team.
• Excellent communication and partnership-building skills.

Why join Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council?

• Be at the forefront of an exciting new service model that shapes the future of family support.
• Outstanding benefits package, including generous annual leave, pension scheme and wellbeing support.
• Continuous professional development with access to leadership training, mentoring and accredited courses.
• Clear progression pathways - grow your career within a council that invests in its people.
• A supportive, collaborative environment that values innovation, flexibility and work-life balance.

For more information about working for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, please visit the Careers section on our website:

Ready to lead change and make a lasting impact?

Apply now and help us deliver a service that puts children and families first.

Contact Julie Allison, Service Lead Children and Families, viaiany email for an informal discussion about the post.

Interviews are anticipated to take place on 2nd February 2026.

Heads up: We expect strong interest and may close early - apply today!