Assistant Team Manager – Adoption Support
We are looking for an Assistant Team Manager to join our Adoption Support team within the Regional Adoption Agency for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton local authorities.
Children and young people who have been adopted may face day‑to‑day challenges at home and school. As the Adoption Support Assistant Team Manager, you will review and shape the support we offer families, from triage and multi‑disciplinary services to therapies funded by the Adoption Support Fund.
We are seeking an inspiring and enthusiastic person who can drive new approaches and processes with the team, ensuring families receive the best outcomes efficiently and timely.
You will have strong communication skills, with the ability to relate to a diverse range of people. You should also have some management experience and a proven track record of reporting, change, or introducing new processes to improve performance.
A good understanding of Child Protection legislation is important, as is a motivation for personal and professional development. Above all, you will be determined to make a difference for both our service and the children who need it.
Role Responsibilities Include
* Managing, prioritising and reviewing a complex case load within departmental guidelines.
* Managing staff allocations and ensuring work is completed within statutory regulations.
* Contributing to robust reflective management oversight through supervision, case oversight and auditing.
* Ensuring that best outcomes for children are at the centre of all practice and decision‑making.
* Working in collaboration with key partners and colleagues across the region.
* Contributing to data monitoring, service analysis and evaluation.
* Maintaining awareness of corporate and departmental equalities, health and safety, sustainability and other relevant policies and procedures and applying them in day‑to‑day requirements.
* Ensuring that all Hampshire County Council child protection and safeguarding policies are adhered to, and concerns are raised in accordance with these policies.
* Deputising for the Team Manager in their absence.
* Authorising assessments in line with team quality assurance processes.
* Supporting development of training and prepared to deliver training as required.
* Working flexibly to meet the needs of the service, which will include some evening and Saturday working.
* Collaborating with the marketing team to ensure communications to families and young people meet the needs of different audience groups who use our adoption support services.
Essential Qualifications, Skills And Experience
* Social Work qualification.
* Social Work England registration.
* A minimum of three years post‑qualifying social work experience.
* Extensive experience of assessment work and understanding of permanence for children.
* Strong analytical skills.
* Knowledge of adoption services and processes.
* Experience of managing, supervising and developing others.
* Knowledge of relevant adoption legislation and regulations.
* Strong report writing and negotiation skills.
* Excellent understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality.
* Proactive with the ability to work alone and as part of a team when required.
* Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service and service users.
Working Conditions
* Use of Display Screen Equipment.
* Potential verbal abuse and/or aggression.
* Lone working.
* Must be able to meet the travel requirements: typically a full driving licence and access to a car, but reasonable adjustments will be considered for a declared disability.
Salary: The salary band for this role is £47,181 to £51,357. The starting salary is £47,181 with annual progression through the salary bands.
What We Can Offer You
* Excellent death in service benefit of 3× salary and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution).
* Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service.
* Flexible working options (role‑dependent).
* Family‑friendly policies – Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for dependents.
* Training and development, including coaching and mentoring.
* Health and wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks.
* Veteran‑friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant.
* Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform.
* Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres.
* Sustainable travel benefits – low‑emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans.
* Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer.
We are not able to offer Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship on this role, at this time.
For further information and details regarding the Assistant Team Manager position, please contact Service Manager Carol Beddow at 023 8083 4033 or recruitments@southampton.gov.uk.
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