Service Manager - Safeguarding and Exploitation
Salary - £64,863 - £68,104 (Grade 10)
Hours – 37 hours per week
Contract type - full time, permanent
Location – Various
About the Role:
The City of Wolverhampton Council is seeking a dedicated and experienced Service Manager to lead our Safeguarding and Exploitation team within Children's Services. This pivotal role involves managing a multi-disciplinary service area to ensure effective, high-quality outcomes for children and families. The successful candidate will play a key role in the strategic development of Children's Services and contribute to the continuous improvement of safeguarding practices.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Lead and manage the Safeguarding and Exploitation service area, ensuring the provision of effective services responsive to assessed needs and the voice of the children and families we work with.
2. Oversee the performance of Independent Reviewing Officers, Child Protection Conference Chairs, Independent Foster Home Reviewing Officers, and the exploitation hub.
3. Participate in wider meetings, e.g., Serious Case Reviews, and ensure dissemination of learning.
4. Influence policy development and priority setting within Wolverhampton's Safeguarding Children Board.
5. Ensure quality standards for safeguarding responses and support child protection services.
6. Manage services within allocated budgets and ensure high standards of performance against local and national expectations.
7. Support transformation and change across the organization, focusing on delivery, quality, and flexibility to meet customer expectations.
Person Specification:
1. Substantial managerial experience, including responsibility for professional and complex services.
2. Understanding of the needs of service users within a diverse community.
3. Proven track record in managing change and providing sound advice for policy formation.
4. Experience in partnership working with other organizations and agencies.
5. Expertise in managing statutory and legal responsibilities.
6. Excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
7. Educated to degree level or equivalent, with relevant professional qualifications including Social Work England Registration.
8. Commitment to continuous personal and professional development.
We Offer:
* A career development pathway and substantial training offer. Over 85% of our workforce are happy with the learning and development offer, and 90% say there is a positive learning culture.
* Reimbursement of Blue Light card membership costs and Social Work England renewal fees.
* Four vibrant employee networks, including four staff equality forums (Race, Religion and Belief; Disability and Age; Gender, Maternity and Paternity; LGBT+).
* A strengths-based practice framework supporting building strong relationships using the Three Conversations approach.
* A commitment to eliminating discrimination and supporting employee wellbeing, including an employee assistance scheme and wellbeing resources.
* Supportive and flexible working arrangements, including some home working.
* Discounts and savings through our rewards portal for retail, leisure, legal, and ethical products.
Additional Information:
For more details, visit Working for us | WV Jobs | City of Wolverhampton Council.
This post is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.
Interview Process:
The selection process will include:
1. A presentation
2. A panel interview
Representatives from the Child in Care Council will participate in the selection process.
Contact:
For further information, contact Celia Payne (Head of Service) via email at Celia.Payne@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
Important Dates:
Interviews are scheduled for 23rd or 24th June 2025. The closing date for applications is 13th June 2025.
Additional Resources:
See the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details of responsibilities and requirements.
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