Job description
Team Manager (Social Work) - Full Time, Permanent
You must have a social work qualification to apply for this role
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of our Families First transformation supporting us to expand our services in 2025. This is so that we can support children and families at the earliest point, whilst also providing intensive support to children and families when they need it, whether this be at a family help level requiring additional multi agency support or a specialist help level where children and families need that intensive intervention or for children in our care.
As a children’s social care service there has been ongoing change with the aim of putting excellent practice at the heart of our service. Key developments include implementing the Signs of Safety methodology across our safeguarding and early help services and increasing the social work capacity within the Unit model of working to reduce workloads and improve practice.
We aim to ensure our systemic approach to service delivery provides the conditions for excellent practice where social workers feel valued.
The role:
The Team Manager role leads and manages a team of 5 staff providing guidance, direction, and innovation to develop the practice and performance and resilience of staff within the Unit and to shape children’s social work in Bristol.
The role actively plans for safety, stability and permanency for children and young people using a child centred systemic approach.
You will provide individual supervision to Unit staff and direct and evaluate cases and individual work using the key concepts of systemic practice and the Signs of Safety methodology within the Bristol Children’s Service model. Working with colleagues, carers, young people, and multi-agencies in partnership to deliver proportionate intervention and support to families who are experiencing significant problems.
You should have experience in leading and communicating within a team and contribute to the continuous development of the skills of the team whilst working under the direction of the Service Manager on complex / high risk decision making. The management team is experienced and stable and can provide direction and support to any manager joining the service.
The challenges of being part of part of innovative practice will require motivation imagination and enthusiasm, as well as a strong commitment to children’s safety and welfare.
Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.
Why Bristol City Council?
At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high-profile organisation.
As we move into the new year, we are looking forward to building on the brilliant work our teams already do with children by expanding our services to create the conditions for our teams to feel supported, have the time they need to work intensively with children and families, access good training, feel psychologically safe and listened too, whilst experiencing healthy challenge to thrive in their roles in our joint vision with children and families.
We will continue our commitment of working with integrity, honesty, kindness, transparency, collaboration, and family led decision making as we build on what we do well and learn together to develop our work further.
“We will help families to achieve the change they want to see for themselves and their children. We believe that children should live with their family or someone who knows them best. We act when children need to be protected from harm and we do everything we can to make sure that children in our care and care leavers are set up for life”