Team Manager - Children in Care

Ackerman Pierce; Chatham; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Chatham seeks a passionate Team Manager to lead a team of social workers within their Children in Care service. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience, proven staff management skills, and a commitment to promoting children's rights. This role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities to positively impact vulnerable families.

Benefits

Competitive salary with market premia

Hybrid working

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years post-qualifying experience, including statutory work.
• Proven experience managing and supervising staff.
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation and guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of social workers and family support workers.
• Ensure timely assessments and care planning.
• Champion the voices of children and young people.

Skills

Qualified Social Worker

Leadership and management

Excellent communication skills

Analytical skills

Knowledge of Signs of Safety

Experience managing statutory social work settings

Education

Social Work qualification

Leadership or management qualification

Job description

Team Manager - Children in Care

Salary: £59K- £65,607 / Year

Job type: Permanent

Location: Chatham

Medway Council is seeking a passionate and experienced Team Manager to lead and support a dedicated team of social workers and family support workers within our Children in Care service. This is a pivotal role focused on improving outcomes for vulnerable children, young people, and their families through effective leadership, partnership working, and high-quality social work practice.

What you’ll do:

• Lead, manage, and motivate a team of social workers and family support workers, providing high-quality supervision and case management oversight.


• Allocate cases to ensure timely assessments, statutory visits, and care planning.


• Develop staff through performance reviews, professional development, and reflective practice.


• Contribute to budget management, staffing, and safer recruitment within the service.


• Chair strategy, review, and planning meetings, ensuring effective collaboration with internal and external partners.


• Champion the voices of children and young people, promoting their rights and participation in decision-making.

About you:

• Qualified Social Worker with minimum 5 years post-qualifying experience, including statutory work with children and families.


• Proven experience managing and supervising staff in statutory social work settings.


• Skilled in strengths-based and relationship-focused practice; knowledge of Signs of Safety desirable.


• Strong understanding of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and local policies.


• Excellent communication, decision-making, and analytical skills, with the ability to manage complex situations effectively.


• Leadership or management qualification, or equivalent experience at a managerial level.


• Committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Why join Medway Council:

• Be part of a forward-thinking team driving change and improving outcomes for children in care.


• Competitive salary with additional market premia and retention payments.


• Hybrid working with a minimum of 2 office days per week.


• Opportunities to shape and influence service delivery and practice standards.

Take the next step in your social work leadership career and make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and their families.

Contact Phil at Ackerman Pierce on 02038546682, [e-mail]