Do it for Devon – We are seeking an experienced and motivated Team Manager to provide professional leadership, supervision and support to one of our dedicated Social Work teams within the Kinship Assessment Service.
Our Kinship Assessment Service plays a key role in supporting Devon County as a corporate parent for children and young people who cannot live with their own families. Comprised of three teams covering Exeter & East Devon, North & Mid Devon and South Devon, the Kinship Service is responsible for the assessment of kinship carers, special guardians and connected carers, all working towards securing the best possible outcomes for children and young people in our care.
About the Role
As Team Manager, you will help guide and support your dedicated team of Social Workers with the preparation of assessments for both Court and Fostering Panels. Alongside this you will be work with your team, advising them in the supporting of carers going through the process of temporary approval, offering regular supervision and support.
Your leadership will be essential in managing service delivery, implementing development of the team, and ensuring statutory duties are undertaken. This is a challenging and rewarding role within a vibrant service that places children and families at the centre of everything we do.
This is an exciting and unique opportunity for anyone looking to stand up and make a difference for Children and Young People in Devon. Working to regulatory requirements, you will be confident in providing a high-quality service for children and their families with robust assessments that support permanent decisions for children.
We work collaboratively across the county of Devon, therefore the successful candidate can be based at any one of our main sites.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Lead and manage a team of Social Work staff, overseeing day to day support and assessments, working collaboratively and flexibly with colleagues to ensure the development of a confident and competent team
2. Effective allocation of cases and workload
3. Ensure the provision of high quality Form K assessments and associated paperwork within the pre-proceedings and court arena. Provide robust quality assurance of paperwork to be presented to fostering panel and court.
4. Work closely with other social work teams, families, carers, and multi-agency partners to ensure children's needs are met
5. Oversee assessments for children living with kinship foster carers and for prospective special guardians.
6. Oversee the supervision and support offered to kinship foster carers by social workers.
7. Ensure delivery of the team’s service is in accordance with statutory guidelines and relevant legislation, managing resources and budgets effectively
Skills and Experience:
8. A social work qualification and registration with Social Work England
9. Significant experience working in children's services, with a focus on undertaking fostering assessments.
10. Proven leadership and management experience, ideally within a local authority or related setting
11. Knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models, and theories relevant to children’s social work
12. Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem solving skills.
13. A high-level of written and verbal communication skills*
14. The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families, and other professionals
15. Exceptional recording and planning skills
16. A valid UK driving licence and access to a car*
* Exceptions may apply under the Equality Act
Working in Children’s Social Care at Devon County Council
We're on an exciting and ambitious journey of cultural change, continuing to embed and relational ways of working. We believe that for most families, the family home is the best place for children to live and thrive.
We're proud of our workforce and what we are achieving for children and families in Devon. Our social work teams are committed to providing the best service possible and are supported by our ambitious culture.
What’s in it for you?
In return for the vital contribution that you make, we have some fantastic employee benefits available, including:
17. Generous annual leave
18. Free onsite parking
19. Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services
20. Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
21. We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home
22. Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform
23. Cycle to work scheme
24. Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
Relocating to Devon
If you are looking to move to Devon, subject to qualifying conditions, we offer a generous relocation allowance.