Job Description**
We are seeking an Assistant Team Manager, Child Protection, for a local government client in Dorchester, Dorset. You will be an experienced, qualified social worker passionate about supporting children in care and helping them achieve stability and long-term security. In this role, you will provide leadership and management support to the team, working alongside the Team Manager to ensure high-quality practice and effective supervision—hybrid/Remote working.
**Responsibilities**
You will:
· Supervise and appraise social workers and family workers
· Provide oversight of complex casework and offer guidance on care planning
· Chair meetings and contribute to decision-making that promotes the best outcomes for children
· Support practice development within the team, acting as a role model and mentor for colleagues
· Maintain a focus on securing permanent homes for children and ensuring stability in placements
**Knowledge & Experience Requirements**
You will bring proven experience in supervision, mentoring, and leading others, along with a track record of delivering excellent outcomes in complex children's social care cases. A collaborative approach, strong communication skills, and the ability to work in partnership with professionals and families are essential.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – both orally and in writing
Proven operational experience in social work, ideally working as a senior practitioner or small team leader/supervisor.
Able to demonstrate relevant theoretical Social Work concepts, practices and detailed organisational knowledge relating to the provision of a professional Social Work service.
Experience in dealing with significant issues, management of complex child protection matters, staff underperformance, and managing resources to address team performance priorities through the allocation of limited resources
Ability to influence and negotiate partner relationships at the management level.
Must understand the need for emotional intelligence/resilience, specifically in relation to risk, ensuring a positive balance between perceived risk and protection from harm where necessary.
Ability to provide direction, motivate, and inspire the team to deliver quality professional practice.
Experience in managing a small budget and/or contributing to financially related decisions on larger spends.
Demonstrable knowledge of how to improve practice and performance in a supportive, positive way.
Able to perform management and provide quality assurance, ensuring team contribution to Children and Young People.
Able to provide professional leadership in situations of complexity, risk, uncertainty and challenge.
Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues and partners to improve outcomes for individual children and young people.
Qualification – Essential
Dip SW. CQSW. CSS or CCETSW or equivalent
SWE (HCPC) Registered
Advanced user –Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, social media.
Essential Compliance Requirements
3 Years of References
Enhanced Adults DBS
Relevant Degree required
Have access to a car and be willing to travel
Diamond Blaque Group, a leading public-sector provider, is acting as the employment agency for this vacancy. Our organisation is deeply committed to fostering an environment of equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace