Service Manager - Corporate Parenting Service Development
We are seeking an experienced Service Manager to work alongside our 3 locality based Service Managers to support the improvement journey within the Corporate Parenting and Care Experienced Service. Thisis a rewarding and challenging role which requires supporting operational practice development, and service improvement alongside and interface with the Corporate Parenting Strategic Board and partnership alongside the Assistant Director with the Corporate Parenting Lead.
About us
Devon County Council is undergoing significant transformation, with rapid Children’s Social Care reforms and a strong improvement journey. Our social work teams are committed to providing the best service possible and are supported by our ambitious culture. As the largest local authority in Southwest England, we're proud of our workforce and what we are achieving for the children and families of Devon.
About the Service
As Corporate Parents we are committed to ensuring all Children and Young People in our care can flourish and thrive in life. Using restorative practice and relational ways of working our practice is focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for our children and young people. We believe that for most families, the family home is the best place for children to live, with local, place-based support. Together, we're working hard to deliver permanence for our children in long term care with a real focus on supporting children to thrive in Devon and build lifelong links with their family and their community. Similarly, we are improving services to our Care Experienced Young People, with a relentless focus on suitable housing and Education Employment and Training. To better understand our recent progress in this area please read the recent Ofsted Monitoring Visit findings.
Please take a moment to visit our page. It offers a clear and heartfelt insight into who we are and what we stand for as corporate parents, and outlines what our children want from you! Similarly our Local Offer to Our Care Leavers can also be found .
About the Role
As a Service Manager for Corporate Parenting, you will have sound knowledge of the legislation and regulations surrounding children in care and care experienced young people. You will be able to work with service colleagues and partners alike effectively to highlight the importance of being a corporate parent and supporting improved practice development in key areas. You will sit on Corporate Parenting Subgroups and act as a conduit between these groups and operational practice leads, and also directly manage 4 ETE Practitioners and our Housing Pathway Coordinator.. You will be instrumental in building and maintaining internal and external relationships to ensure effective communication and collaboration, particularly with multi-agency partners.
To stay connected and support our teams, a minimum office presence of three days per week is required.
About You
You will have a wealth of experience within the Children in Care services and the knowledge to lead on improvement work and deliver against service plans. The ability to adapt, be dynamic and respond to changeable demand is important. You will build and maintain strong relationships, particularly with our multi-agency partnerships to help drive impactful change in the service. You will also have a good understanding of the Corporate Parenting Board and working with Participation services. You will confidently lead the delivery of effective social work practices aligned with our restorative approach, while driving continuous improvements and fostering positive change.
If you are ready to take on a senior manager position that offers you the opportunity to shape the future for children and young people, we want to hear from you.
What’s in it for you?
In return for the vital contribution that you make, we have some fantastic employee benefits available, including:
1. A healthy work-life balance with flexible working options wherever possible
2. Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
3. Free onsite parking
4. Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services
5. Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform
6. Cycle to work scheme
7. Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.