QSW - Service Manager - Reviewing
Reviewing Service Manager
Responsible To: Head of Quality Assurance and SafeguardingSalary: £57,940 - £63,616Are you seeking a challenging and fulfilling role? Look no further! Slough Children First are committed to ensuring that all local children are happy, safe, loved, and thriving.
About Slough:
* They take pride in being one of the most ethnically diverse local authorities in England. In 2021, 64% of our population came from
* Global majority backgrounds, and an additional 12% were from a white non-British background.
* Their community boasts one of the youngest populations in the UK, with nearly 28% of residents aged under 18 (compared to 21% nationally).
Slough’s Achievements:
Over the past year, Slough have achieved significant progress for their looked-after children. Their strategies, approved by the cabinet, include:
* The Participation Strategy: Developed in partnership with key stakeholders, this strategy enhances Slough’s approach to participation, ensuring that all voices are heard.
* The Children’s Sufficiency (Placements) Strategy: A crucial plan to meet the needs of children in care.
* The Early Help Strategy: Shaped by input from various stakeholders, this strategy outlines Slough’s vision for early help services.
Location Advantage:
* Situated at the crossroads of the M25, M4, and M40, they are one of the most accessible places to work.
* Less than 20 minutes by train to Central London, our location offers convenience and connectivity.
Main Accountabilities:
Leadership Support:
* Collaborate with the Head of Service to provide strong leadership within the service area.
* Develop a clear vision for achieving positive outcomes for children on child protection plans and those who are looked after.
Conference Management:
* Administer and chair initial and review child protection conferences as well as statutory reviews for children looked after (CLA).
* Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and guidance.
Supervision and Support:
* Provide high-quality supervision and professional support to Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs) and Child Protection Chairs.
Child-Centric Approach:
* Prioritise the views of children and young people involved in these procedures.
* Record and act upon their perspectives wherever possible.
Consultation and Advice:
* Offer consultation, advice, and information to operational staff in Children’s Services and other agencies.
* Address matters related to Child Protection Conferences and CLA reviews.
Strategic Influence:
* Provide expert advice to inform strategic priorities, development, and improvement activities.
* Contribute to Slough Children First’s (SCF) successful realisation of its vision.
Project Leadership:
* Take the lead on specific projects that enhance the ongoing improvement and development of the Reviewing Service and align with SCF’s vision and priorities.
Challenging the Norm:
* Challenge effectively at all levels within SCF.
* Foster a culture of robust and effective challenge to drive continuous improvement.
Conflict Resolution:
* Address conflicts promptly, seeking resolution at the earliest opportunity.
* Implement agreed-upon escalation procedures when necessary.
Learning Culture:
* Embed a culture of learning and reflection within the Reviewing Service.
* Share insights and learning across the broader SCF community.
Partnership Collaboration:
* Collaborate closely with partners to ensure their contributions to Child Protection and CLA processes meet the required standards outlined in Working Together 2018 and Care Planning Regulations.
* Provide a robust partnership challenge when standards are not met.
Safeguarding Participation:
* Contribute to the operation of the Slough Safeguarding Partnership, actively participating in relevant activities.
Required:
Education, Training & Experience:
As a Reviewing Service Manager, we expect you to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Slough’s team. Here are the essential qualifications and competencies:
Management Expertise:
* Significant management experience within children’s services.
* A proven track record of collaborating effectively with various partner organisations to achieve measurable and sustained success.
Change Management and Quality Optimization:
* Demonstrated success in managing change and optimizing value and quality services through effective service management.
Staff Management Skills:
* Successful management of staff, including resolving conflicting interests and priorities.
Equal Opportunities and Service Delivery:
* Evidence of achievement and a clear understanding of equal opportunities in both employment and service delivery.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
* Proven ability to work collaboratively with internal and external agencies, staff, elected members, trade unions, and community groups.
Children’s Services Knowledge:
* In-depth understanding of children’s services, including statutory duties, responsibilities, and policy requirements.
Public Sector Acumen:
* Familiarity with public sector policies and performance frameworks related to services for children, young people, and families.
Professional Qualifications:
* Professional Social Work Qualification.
* Up-to-date registration with Social Work England.
Management Qualification:
* Possession of a relevant management qualification.
PEPS Training:
* PEPS training or a willingness to complete the training.
General & Specific Knowledge:
Team Leadership and Motivation:
* Ability to inform, listen, support, and motivate team members.
* Confidence in challenging inadequate performance or unacceptable behaviour within the team.
Strategic Planning and Execution:
* Proficiency in translating Service Plans into team plans.
* Utilize these plans to manage and monitor work effectively.
Process Management:
* Skill in managing business processes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Collaboration and Customer Focus:
* The ability to collaborate effectively with other services and stakeholders.
* Identify and implement customer-focused improvements.
Corporate Alignment:
* Ensure the team actively supports corporate activities and organizational goals.
Information Management:
* Encourage team members to capture and share information appropriately.
* Maintain comprehensive case records using IT systems.
Issue Resolution and Adaptability:
* Deal effectively with current issues as they arise.
* Demonstrate the ability to adapt within existing plans when necessary.
Risk Awareness:
* Stay aware of areas of ambiguity and risk within the service context.
Communication Skills:
* Possess excellent verbal, written, and IT skills to produce clear, literate, and appropriate reports and correspondence.
Why You’ll Love Working for Slough Children First
Market Supplement and Retention Reward:
* Eligible frontline social workers can benefit from a market supplement of up to £5,600 (role-dependent).
* Additionally, there’s a £1,000 retention reward after 18 months for frontline social workers.
Supportive Environment:
* Enjoy manageable caseloads and clear career pathways.
* Access excellent training and development opportunities to enhance your skills.
Perks and Benefits:
* Take advantage of the Tusker personal car lease scheme.
* Benefit from the Blue Light card, offering discounts at numerous high street and online stores.
Innovative Practices:
* Embrace our new social work operating model.
* Explore the use of electric pool cars and bikes.
Recognition and Flexibility:
* Experience staff recognition and a friendly working environment.
* Enjoy flexible working and agile practices supported by technology.
Convenient Location:
* Slough is less than 20 minutes by train to Central London.
* Our terrific central location near the M4, M40, and M25 ensures accessibility.
Quality of Life:
1. Slough is one of the most diverse places in the country outside of London.
2. Pleasant environments, above-average salaries, and a lower cost of living contribute to an enhanced quality of life for our employees.
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