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Form of work
SalaryMAIN PURPOSE OF JOB
- To lead, manage and coach a team of newly qualified and experienced social workers and personal advisors responsible for delivering and improving services for children in care, care experienced young people and their carers/families.
- To improve outcomes for looked after children and young people by developing effective partnership working with other Council services and partner agencies to ensure efficient delivery of the service.
- To contribute towards delivering the council’s Corporate Parenting vision for Children in Care and Care Leavers in order to ensure the objectives and priorities are realised.
- To be competent in all areas of the PCF at Advanced Social Worker level and The Knowledge and Skills Statement (KSS) for practice supervisors
ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Lead, manage and motivate a staff team ensuring high quality supervision is completed regularly which includes case management oversight, timely decision making, the effective implementation and review of children’s looked after plans and care experienced young people’s pathway plans. To use opportunity to reflect and recognise areas of practice which are good or requires improvement, and supports the ongoing learning and development of workers, including undertaking audits across the whole of children’s service and within the local service.
- Allocate cases within the statutory timescales supporting positive transitions and ensuring looked after children reviews and pathway plan reviews and statutory visits have clear objectives and outcomes in order to ensure that all children in care and care leavers receive a service that reflects the Council’s commitment to safeguarding, promoting independence and putting the needs of individual children first.
- Complete and review performance development plans for the team which enhance individuals personal and professional development needs and contributes towards staff retention.
- Effectively use available team performance data to monitor standards and performance and ensure compliance with practice standards and procedures.
- Provide high quality reflective case supervision to social workers and personal advisors within timescale, that clearly provides management oversight, appropriate professional challenge and supports the progression of children and young people’s plans. Ensure care experienced young people are supported effectively to develop into independence following their journey through care.
- Contribute to the management of the staffing budget for the team by approving and committing expenditure within your delegated authority, and monitoring and reporting commitments in order to ensure budget is not exceeded.
- Support the safer recruitment and selection of new staff, both within the team and across Children’s Social Care in order to ensure staffing levels are maintained.
- Chair strategy, review, planning, professional and network meetings as appropriate.
- Keep up to date with the Council’s organisational policies, government guidance, legislation, research and national trends in order to maintain the highest professional standards.
- To implement Signs of Safety practice and consistently use the Signs of Safety practice model in interventions with children, young people and their carers/families, and within supervision discussions.
- Deputise and support the Group Manager where necessary on all aspects relating to the development of the service, and cover for other Team Managers where appropriate.
What do you need?
Education: A relevant undergraduate degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field is usually essential. Some employers may also require a postgraduate qualification in social work, such as a Master's in Social Work (MSW), or an equivalent qualification.
Professional Registration: Must be registered with Social Work England.
Experience: Experience in social work, preferably in roles involving working with young people in care or Leaving Care. Experience in a supervisory or managerial capacity is highly valued.
Knowledge of Legislation and Policies: A thorough understanding of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures related to social care, particularly those concerning Leaving Care services, is crucial. This includes knowledge of legislation such as the Children Act 1989 and the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000.
Leadership and Management Skills: Strong leadership and management skills are essential for a Team Manager role. This includes the ability to provide supervision, guidance, and support to a team of social care professionals, as well as the capacity to manage resources effectively and ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
