Team Manager – Children in Care
Salary: £51,131 – £55,607 DOE
Location: Chatham, Kent (Hybrid Working)
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Requirements: Qualified Social Worker | SWE Registered | Full UK Driving Licence & access to own vehicle
About the Role
We are recruiting for a Team Manager to lead a Children in Care Social Work Team supporting children, young people and families.
You will manage, coach and supervise a team of Social Workers and Family Support Workers, ensuring high-quality safeguarding practice and positive outcomes for children. The role includes oversight of care planning, decision making, statutory visits and performance management across the team.
You will also work closely with partner agencies and senior leaders to improve service delivery and support the development of staff and practice standards.
Key Responsibilities
Line management and supervision of Social Workers and support staff
Case oversight and safeguarding decision-making
Allocating cases and monitoring statutory timescales
Supporting staff development, training and retention
Chairing professional meetings and reviews
Supporting recruitment and safer selection of staff
Deputising for the Service Manager when required
Monitoring team performance and service standards
Budget awareness and resource management What We’re Looking For
Essential
Qualified Social Worker
Social Work England registration
Minimum 5 years post-qualifying experience in Children’s Social Care
Strong safeguarding and children in care experience
Experience supervising or mentoring Social Workers
Ability to manage performance and complex decision-making
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle Desirable
Previous Team Manager or Deputy/Advanced Practitioner experience
Practice Educator qualification
Leadership/management training Working Pattern
Hybrid working
Minimum 2 office days per week
Team Manager JD
Flexible working arrangements available Why Apply? This role is ideal for an experienced Senior Practitioner or Deputy Team Manager ready to progress into a full management position within a supportive Local Authority structure, with opportunities to influence practice standards and staff development.
Additional Information
Travel across the Medway area required
Enhanced DBS required