Team Manager (Social Work Qualified) - 37 Hours

Torbay Council; Torquay; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Golden Hello

Hybrid working

Professional development

Job summary

Torbay Council in Torquay seeks a Team Manager (Social Work Qualified) to lead the Cared For Team and drive outstanding outcomes for children in care. The role sits within an Ofsted Good Local Authority that embraces restorative approaches and strong collaboration.

The post oversees Advanced Social Worker, Social Workers and Community Care Workers, ensuring safeguarding and permanency planning while supporting staff development. Hybrid working with two office days per week.

Qualifications

• Experience leading social work teams and supervising practice.
• Registered Social Worker with SWE registration and a professional qualification.
• Management qualification or willingness to acquire promptly.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the Cared For Team and supervise staff.
• Oversee practice, performance and permanency planning.
• Champion relationship-based and restorative approaches.
• Collaborate with partners to deliver positive outcomes for children.
• Develop and support staff through effective supervision.

Skills

Decision making

Problem solving

Staff appraisals

Cross-agency work

Resource planning

Education

Social Work degree

Management qualification

Job description

Team Manager (Social Work Qualified) - 37 Hours

Application Deadline: 1 November 2026

Department: Childrens Services

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Torbay Council

Reporting To: Head of Service

Compensation: £56,090 - £59,332 / year

Description

The full time equivalent salary of £56,090 to £59,332 includes an amount for a market supplement of £3,039 per year. This market supplement is reviewed annually.

Job Description & Person Specification >

Are you an experienced Social Work leader who is passionate about improving the lives of children in care?

At Torbay Children's Services, we're looking for an ambitious, child-focused Team Manager to lead our Cared For Team and help drive outstanding outcomes for children and young people.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a service that is both Ofsted rated Good and an Accredited Restorative Authority, where relationships, collaboration and high-quality practice are at the heart of everything we do.

As Team Manager, you will provide leadership, support and direction to a dedicated team of Social Workers and Community Care Workers, ensuring children in our care receive the stability, permanence and support they need to thrive. You will oversee practice, performance and permanency planning, champion relationship-based and restorative approaches, and work closely with partners to deliver positive outcomes for children and families. Based on the Cared For Team structure, the role has oversight of an Advanced Social Worker, Social Workers and Community Care Workers.

We are looking for a qualified and registered Social Worker with significant experience of working with children and families, strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire, support and develop others. You'll bring sound decision-making, effective practice oversight and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

Why Join Us?

• Relocation, Retention and Golden Hello packages available.
• Grade L salary plus market supplement.
• Join an Ofsted Good Local Authority.
• Work within an Accredited Restorative Authority.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Strong leadership support and manageable caseloads.
• A culture that values professional development and reflective practice.
• Opportunities to contribute to service improvement and innovation across Children's Services.

This role is based in Torquay, with an expectation to work in the office 2 days a week. (All week on duty weeks which is one in every 3.)

This post will be carrying out Regulated Activity. As such the post will require an Enhanced Criminal Record Check plus an additional Barred List Check. The check will reveal any spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions (which have not been filtered), any local Police information and a check of either the Adult, Child or Adult and Child Barred Lists.

If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/team-manager-social-work-qualified/

Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 9th November 2026.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

At times there is a need to close our adverts earlier than the date specified, however this advert will not close before 27th October.

Skills

Essential:

• Significant decision making skills – the ability to analyse information, draw conclusions and effect judgements based on outcomes and risk.
• Proven problem solving skills – the ability to identify causes, make objective and informed judgements that demonstrates emotional resilience and balance.
• Ability to appraise and motivate staff in a way that ensures compliance with policies but also enables individuals to develop.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues and partners across agency boundaries.
• Ability to plan, organise and use resources effectively and efficiently.

Knowledge

Essential:

• Knowledge and understanding of the full range of activities delivered by the Authority and partners in relation to children, young people and families.
• Thorough understanding of the professional practice relating to safeguarding and working with complex families.
• Thorough understanding of the ‘common core’.
• Ability to demonstrate awareness and understanding of equal opportunities.
• Awareness of effective management practices.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Current Social Work England Registration.
• Relevant professional qualification to the equivalent of a degree or equivalent and where relevant a current professional registration or licence to practice (Posts managing social work teams will require a social work degree and evidence of having met post qualification standards).
• Management qualification to certificate level or equivalent, or a willingness to acquire such in a timely fashion.
• Significant social work qualification experience of working with children and families in the context of current legislation and government initiatives / or minimum of two years post social work qualification experience plus significant management experience in a relevant field working with children and families.
• Commitment to evidence of applying an evidenced informed practice approach.