Salary
£54,282 per annum including a £5,000 recruitment allowance which expires 30.06.2027.
* Permanent, 37 hours a week.
* 33 day’s annual leave (additional to bank holidays)
* Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.
Role summary
As a Service Manager – Social Work you will lead high-quality, child-centred services, drive performance and delivering key council priorities. You’ll provide strategic direction, ensure statutory compliance, and support transformation across the organisation. Working with senior leaders, Members and partners, you’ll ensure services are effective, efficient and continuously improving to achieve the best outcomes for children and families.
What you’ll do – key responsibilities
You’ll lead a high‑quality service that makes a real difference to children, young people and families across Somerset. Setting clear priorities and direction, you’ll drive service plans forward and use insight, feedback and data to continuously improve outcomes and the experience of those who rely on us.
You’ll inspire and support a dedicated team, creating a positive, high-performing environment where people feel valued, challenged and motivated to deliver their best. Through strong leadership and practical oversight, you’ll ensure excellent practice, manage complex cases and resolve challenges with confidence.
Working alongside partners and senior leaders, you’ll build strong relationships across agencies to deliver joined-up, effective support. You’ll also take ownership of resources and budgets, ensuring services are delivered efficiently, sustainably and to the highest standards.
This is a role where your leadership will directly shape services, improve lives and help achieve the best possible outcomes for children and families.
What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills
* Strong knowledge of statutory, policy and strategic commissioning frameworks within local government
* Understanding of performance management and quality assurance frameworks and how to implement them
* Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusive service delivery
* Significant experience working with senior stakeholders on complex issues and strategic direction
* Experience delivering corporate projects and advising on policy development
* Experience leading communication and engagement activity both internally and externally
* Experience of partnership working, including influencing and leading multi-agency initiatives
* Experience managing teams within children’s social care, including supervision, performance and workforce development
* Relevant degree in Social Work and registration with Social Work England
* Evidence of continuing professional development in a relevant specialist field
* Ability to lead and manage change effectively
* Professional, positive, adaptable and confident approach
* Ability to work to deadlines and motivate others to deliver high standards
* Commitment to diversity and inclusive practice
* Innovative and creative approach to service improvement
* Strong customer and community focus
* High level of personal integrity and professionalism
* Self-motivated with a proactive, “can do” attitude
* Strong analytical and decision-making skills in complex situations
* Ability to engage communities and support service redesign and change management
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