We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic social care manager to join us as a Team Manager of Social Care Direct, the ‘front of house’ for adult care services which is the first point of contact for the public and professionals. This is an exciting opportunity as social care direct are currently looking at new ways of working and improvements across the team, including new technology and streamlining current processes. This is an ideal time for a new manager to join social care direct to assist with progressing and implementing this work in the near future. The social care direct manager is a key member of the Safeguarding and Access management team developing and maintaining excellent relationships with internal and external stakeholders. WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will have responsibility for a team of experienced and committed social care professionals to ensure those at need or at risk are re-directed appropriately and those requiring an assessment of need receive the appropriate support and are redirected to the relevant team. The team also provides a ‘first response’ to all adult safeguarding concerns raised with the Local Authority. We encourage you to contact Julie Wilson, Strategic Manager via email to julie.wilson6durham.gov.uk or Dave Hassall - Operations Manager, Adult and Health Services via email to dave.hassalldurham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role. WHAT WILL I NEED? You should have relevant post qualifying experience including care management, project and change management, inter-agency and partnership work, performance management, comprehensive report writing experience, meeting deadlines and targets and experience of negotiating within complex environments. You will need to understand and be able to manage a team dealing with complex and often demanding work in high volume and be able to support the wellbeing of staff in the team. Key skills also include the ability to manage complex budgets and applicants require in depth awareness of the relevant Legal Framework including The Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Applicants must hold a Degree in Social Work or recognised equivalent and current registration with Social Work England (or other relevant professional body). Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria. If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure PLEASE NOTE THIS POST IS NOT OPEN TO JOB SHARE REWARDS AND BENEFITS We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best: Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service. Hybrid working (home and office working). Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS. Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme. Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring. Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers). Discounted DCC gym membership. Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause. Trade Union membership. A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits HYBRID WORKING Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote will apply. This model is pro-rated for part time roles and arrangements are at managers discretion, alternatively you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services. We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job. As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process. Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26899/Equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-our-workforce INTERVIEWS Interviews will be held on 1st April, 2025. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran. HOW TO APPLY In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal. Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed. If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email recruitmentAHSdurham.gov.uk tel 03000 26 27 27 (option 1 AHS) We collect personal information from you when you register with North East Jobs and make an application. Details on how we process your personal data is available in our Privacy Notice. https://www.durham.gov.uk/media/24645/Privacy-notice-human-resources/pdf/PrivacyNotice-HR.pdf PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION REGARDING YOUR APPLICATION FOR THIS POST WILL BE SENT TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS THAT YOU HAVE REGISTERED WITH NORTH EAST JOBS, INCLUDING YOUR INVITE TO INTERVIEW IF YOU ARE SHORTLISTED. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL AFTER THE CLOSING DATE FOR NOTIFICATION FROM DONOTREPLYNORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK AS YOU WILL NOT BE NOTIFIED BY ANY OTHER MEANS. 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