Team Manager - Future Directions Care Leaver Service

Lynx Employment Services Ltd; Barnsley; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed employment services provider is seeking a Team Manager to lead the Future Directions Care Leaver Service in Barnsley. The role involves providing leadership, overseeing care assessments, and ensuring compliance in a supportive environment for care leavers. Candidates must have a recognized Social Work qualification and significant experience in leadership and safeguarding. The position includes hybrid working arrangements, combining onsite and remote work, with a stable contract running until February 2026.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years’ post-qualification experience including safeguarding work.
• Experience managing staff, budgets, workload allocation and performance.
• Strong understanding of legislation relating to children, vulnerable adults and care leavers.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational and professional leadership to a multidisciplinary team.
• Act as a Safeguarding Manager, ensuring compliance and person-centred practice.
• Manage team performance, supervision and personal development.

Skills

Leadership

Decision-making

Communication skills

Budget management

Case management

Education

Recognised Social Work Qualification or equivalent

Level 5 Management qualification (desirable)

Tools

Social care systems

Job description

We have a fantastic new opportunity for a Team Manager (Level 5) to lead the Future Directions Care Leaver Service. You will provide strong leadership, direction and safeguarding oversight for a team supporting care leavers, ensuring high-quality assessments, care planning and service delivery.

This short-term assignment requires someone highly skilled, confident in decision-making, and experienced in managing complex cases involving vulnerable young people and adults.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide operational and professional leadership to a multidisciplinary team.
• Oversee allocation, assessment, support planning, delivery and review of cases.
• Act as a Safeguarding Manager, ensuring safe, compliant and person-centred practice.
• Manage team performance, supervision, training, welfare and personal development.
• Chair multi-agency meetings and contribute to strategic service development.
• Oversee risk screening, complex case management and emergency decision-making.
• Ensure case files and information systems are accurate and maintained to statutory standards.
• Liaise effectively with internal and external partners to support successful outcomes for care leavers.
• Manage budgets, monitor expenditure and ensure value for money.
• Support complaints resolution and uphold professional practice standards.

Able to travel for work purposes.

Essential Requirements

• Recognised Social Work Qualification (or equivalent : Nursing / OT / Physio).
• Registration with the relevant professional body.
• At least 5 years’ post-qualification experience including safeguarding work.
• Experience managing staff, budgets, workload allocation and performance.
• Strong understanding of legislation relating to children, vulnerable adults and care leavers.
• Excellent communication skills, including report writing, chairing meetings and presenting evidence.
• Ability to lead through complex situations with confidence and clarity.
• Ability to analyse complex information and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Competent IT skills and experience using social care systems.

Desirable Qualifications

• Level 5 Management qualification (or willingness to work towards).
• Practice Educator Award Stage 1 or 2.
• Experience in strategic planning or project work.

Why Choose

Key leadership role in a vital service supporting care leavers.

Stable contract running until February 2026.

Hybrid working (3 days on-site)