About Us Changing Futures is a Pan Sussex system change programme focussing on improving the system for people experiencing multiple disadvantage. It is one of 15 national Programme’s bringing together public and community sector partners to redesign ways that local systems and services are delivered, designed and commissioned to better meet the needs for adults experiencing multiple disadvantage. Multiple disadvantage is defined by the national Changing Futures Programme as ‘people who experience three or more of: homelessness, current or historical offending, substance misuse, domestic violence and mental ill health’. To find out more please visit Social Care | Changing Futures Sussex. The Changing Futures Programme Sussex aims to create an environment where individuals experiencing multiple complex needs, who repeatedly fall through the net of service provision, receive flexible, trauma informed, person-centred support. The Programme aims to enable positive changes in services; to make them better connected, and easier to access. Changing Futures Sussex works in partnership and is embedded across the three Local Authority areas: East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton & Hove. About The Job Salary: £53,350 to £57,005 per annum Working Pattern: Full-time, 37 hours per week Contract Length: Fixed-term until March 2026* Location: Office-based in Shoreham, covering the Adur, Arun, and Worthing areas Interview Date: 4th/5th June *If you are an internal candidate, this position may be available as a secondment. Please ensure you discuss this with your manager before applying. Are you an inspiring and effective leader ready to take on a pivotal role in delivering high-quality operational services? We’re looking for a Social Work Team Manager to join our team — someone who can manage performance, lead with vision, and drive positive outcomes for both service users and staff. As a Social Work Team Manager, you will play a vital leadership role in shaping and delivering high-quality adult social care services. You'll be confident in navigating and advising on complex statutory frameworks including the Care Act 2014, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, and related legislation. Your expertise will guide decision-making and ensure compliance across the team. In this key position, you’ll lead and manage a dedicated team, acting as the principal professional within your service area. You’ll oversee planning, coordination, and delivery of activities and objectives, ensuring consistent performance and continuous improvement. Your expertise will contribute to shaping the future of the service, and you’ll play a crucial role in building strong relationships and influencing across the organisation and beyond You'll provide specialist advice and guidance across departments, support policy development, and tackle complex challenges — whether they’re technical, professional, resource-based, or people-related. You’ll uphold and champion equality, diversity, and inclusion, while also adhering to the highest standards, including those set out by Social Work England. We place a strong emphasis on learning and development. Our team is committed not just to delivering services, but to identifying and overcoming system barriers, using innovative approaches and best practice to support individuals experiencing multiple disadvantage. What we’re looking for: Proven leadership and management experience in a professional setting Ability to think strategically and deliver operational outcomes Strong relationship-building and influencing skills A collaborative, flexible approach to solving challenges Experience and Skills Key Skills (please cover with examples within your application as these are the short listing criteria): Ability to make sound, pragmatic, problem-solving decisions including tackling difficult problems of a technical, professional, resource or people-related nature. Excellent communication skills with ability to influence actions by others and negotiate effective business solutions. Research and knowledge management skills; able to apply project management principles and practices. Leadership, effective people management and performance management skills and the ability to provide direction and support to individuals and teams during complex situations. Ability to challenge existing practices and identify innovative strength-based solutions within the required frameworks. Sound and accurate IT skills for general office duties, producing reports and research. Post graduate professional qualification relevant to the professional service specialism (such as CQSW/CSS/DipSW or BA/MA in Social Work or equivalent and PQSW). Significant and broad experience demonstrating applied application of the above levels of knowledge in a relevant setting. Relevant chartered status of a professional body or equivalent high-level experience of involved practices. Registration with Social Work England and responsibility for maintaining registration. Significant post-qualification experience in dealing with diverse issues. Demonstrable experience of delivering or co-ordinating a quality customer-focussed service to others. Experience of managing and leading staff. Experience of managing a small budget and/or contributing to financially related decisions on larger spends. Experience of supporting initiatives in a political environment. Rewards and Benefits For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our Rewards and Benefits page. Further Information The reference number for this role is CAFHE05763. For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Lyndsey Lloyd-Strutt (Deputy Programme Manager) at Lyndsey.Lloyd-Strutt@westsussex.gov.uk. For issues or queries regarding your application please contact hrrecruitment@westsussex.gov.uk. To apply, upload your CV and complete the application explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV. Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to Social Work England registration, an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and a health check. West Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting an environment that is inclusive and free from all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and values the diversity of its people. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and take every possible step to ensure that no individual will be disadvantaged. For information regarding your eligibility to apply for this role under our Disability or Veteran’s Guaranteed Interview Scheme, this can be found on our application help page. Note for Recruitment Agencies: We prefer to hire people directly, but we do have a supplier list for when we need a helping hand. We'll be in touch directly if we need you!