Team Manager
Are you a compassionate leader with a passion for social justice and youth empowerment? As a social worker, do you thrive in dynamic environments where your work makes a real difference? Join our dedicated team and help shape brighter futures for asylum-seeking young people.
The Independent Guardian Service exists to provide specialist knowledge, advice and support to safeguard and promote the welfare of child victims or potential victims of human trafficking and/or those who have been unaccompanied or separated.
Independent Guardians are skilled practitioners who are qualified to support and assist Unaccompanied and Asylum-seeking children (UASC) through their asylum journey within Northern Ireland.
About Us
We are committed to supporting young people seeking asylum as they navigate the challenges of displacement, trauma, and integration. Our services provide holistic support-ranging from housing and education to mental health and advocacy-ensuring every young person feels safe, heard, and empowered.
The Role
As Team Manager, you will lead a passionate team of Social Workers. You'll oversee service delivery, ensure safeguarding standards, and drive continuous improvement in how we support young people aged 16-21.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, support, and develop a multidisciplinary team
* Ensure high-quality, trauma-informed support for young people
* Manage service delivery, budgets, and reporting requirements
* Build partnerships with local authorities, schools, and health services
* Champion the voices and rights of asylum-seeking youth
About You
* Have a minimum of one year post qualifying Social Work experience with children and families, including direct work with children and inter-agency working
* Experience in team leadership within youth, social care, or refugee services
* Deep understanding of the asylum process and the challenges faced by displaced young people
* Strong safeguarding knowledge and commitment to anti-oppressive practice
* Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills
* Empathy, resilience, and a belief in the potential of every young person
Why Join Us?
* Be part of a values-driven organisation making real impact
* Supportive, inclusive team culture
* Ongoing training and development opportunities
* Generous annual leave and wellbeing support
Ready to lead change?
Apply now and help us build a future where every young person seeking asylum is safe, supported, and thriving.
Please ensure that you outline in your application how you meet the essential criteria detailed in the Additional Information Sheet.
Location: Belmont Road, Belfast
This is a regional service and at times there is the expectation that the post holder will have to travel to fulfill the role.
Salary: £35,390.46 - £43,392.02
Hours: 37
Contract Type: Commencement 1 July 2026. Although this contract has a permanent status, please be aware that this post is subject to funding currently to 31st March 2029 and therefore should this funding not be extended further, you may be subject to a redundancy consultation or a TUPE arrangement. This contract is due to expire on 31st March 2029.
Closing Date: Midnight, 8 March 2026
Contact details:
A waiting list of Reserve candidates will be held in the event that similar vacancies arise during the next 12 months.
The successful candidate will also be required to undertake enhanced Access NI with Child and Adult Barred List check and be registered with NISCC.
Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.
For further information and to submit your application, click APPLY.