We are working closely alongside a Local Authority in Bexley to assist with the appointment of a Service Manager, on a 6-month contract, likely to be extended at clients discretion. Please apply with your CV for immediate consideration.
Rate of Pay: £30.63 - £42.04 per Hour
Summary:
The Service Manager will be responsible for supervising, leading, and supporting Team Managers within the Leaving Care service. The role requires strong leadership in a high-pressure environment, ensuring the safety and well-being of children and young people. The postholder will oversee risk management, decision-making, and compliance with statutory regulations while fostering a solution-focused approach to service delivery.
Responsibilities:
* Oversee all operational aspects of the Leaving Care service, ensuring professional standards and statutory guidance are adhered to.
* Lead and support staff, ensuring effective supervision, workload management, and professional development.
* Manage caseloads and ensure high-quality service delivery that meets the needs of children and young people.
* Promote the Signs of Safety practice model, embedding a strengths-based approach within the service.
* Collaborate with multi-agency partners to improve outcomes for children leaving care.
* Develop and implement strategic plans that align with service priorities and objectives.
Qualifications:
* A recognised social work qualification (DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent).
* Registration with Social Work England.
* Advanced social work or management qualification (Desirable).
* Strong IT proficiency, including case management systems and Microsoft Office.
Experience:
* Extensive experience in statutory child protection, including supervision of practitioners and managers.
* Strong knowledge of child protection laws, statutory guidance, and safeguarding procedures.
* Experience in managing service performance, audits, and compliance with legal frameworks.
* Ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams while implementing strategic initiatives.
Essential:
* Strong leadership and decision-making skills, particularly in high-risk situations.
* Effective risk assessment and management in child protection services.
* Excellent communication, collaboration, and advocacy skills.
* Experience chairing complex meetings, including legal planning and strategy meetings.
* Commitment to continuous professional development and service improvement.
Please note:
* You should be available to work immediately or at a short notice.
* You should have right to work in U.K
* This role requires a basic DBS
Disclaimer: Brackenberry Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. We are committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Unless otherwise stated all of our roles are temporary, though assignments can be and often are, extended by clients on a longer term basis and can sometimes become permanent.
Important: We will interpret your application as being permission to submit your CV to this role (with the right to represent you) unless you advise us to the contrary. Your DBS must be either through us or be accompanied by a subscription to the DBS updating service.
# RQ1493002