Practice Manager – Children with Disabilities
Salary: £59,511 to £61,653 + £3,000 Recruitment & Retention Bonus
Location: Redbridge, London – 3 days per week in office
Contract: Permanent
About the Role
Redbridge Council is seeking an experienced Practice Manager to lead their Children with Disabilities Service. You will manage a skilled team of Social Workers, Senior Practitioners, and unqualified staff, overseeing day-to-day operations, complex casework, and ensuring excellent outcomes for children and families.
You will take a hands-on leadership role in managing contacts, referrals, assessments, and child protection enquiries, while fostering a learning culture, mentoring staff, and contributing to service development. Acting as deputy to the Team Manager when required, you will also build strong multi-agency relationships across the borough.
Key Responsibilities
Manage, motivate, and develop a team of qualified and unqualified staff.
Oversee allocation of new Child and Family Assessments and Child Protection enquiries.
Support staff with supervision, mentoring, and professional development.
Lead on complex casework and provide advice, consultation, and guidance to team members.
Ensure service delivery meets statutory requirements, policies, and best practice standards.
Contribute to service improvement, team planning, and policy development.
Represent the Team Manager in meetings, both internal and external.
Promote a culture of learning, reflection, and high professional standards.Experience & Skills Required
Significant post-qualification experience in children’s social care, including Child Protection, Looked After Children, and families in crisis.
Proven experience of supervising and managing staff and social work students.
Strong assessment, analytical, and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage complex cases.
Experience of working effectively within multi-agency partnerships and influencing change.
Knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance, including Children Act 1989, Adoption and Children Act 2004, Working Together 2013, and Fostering Regulations and Standards.
Ability to produce high-quality reports, attend court, and give professional advice.
Strong communication and organisational skills, able to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.Qualifications
Recognised Social Work qualification (CQSW, DipSW, BA Hons Social Work or equivalent)
HCPC registration
Post-qualifying practice assessor qualification desirableWhy Apply?
This is an exciting opportunity to join Redbridge Council and make a real difference to children with disabilities and their families. You will be supported to lead, develop, and inspire your team while contributing to service improvement and excellent outcomes.
Contact:
Phil Puaca
Tel: (phone number removed)
Email: (url removed)