Are you a passionate, experienced leader in the permanence sector, ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families?
If yes, we have the perfect opportunity for you!
Adopt London South (ALS) is seeking a dedicated and talented Service Manager to join our team and help shape the future of adoption services across South London.
About Us:
Adopt London South (ALS) is a Regional Adoption Agency (RAA) working in partnership with 10 South London Boroughs to provide exceptional adoption services. From preparing and supporting adopters to family finding and offering vital adoption support, we are committed to creating brighter futures for children and families.
Hosted by the London Borough of Southwark, our team is made up of skilled professionals, including Letterbox Coordinators, Business Support Officers, Panel Coordinators, Adoption Recruitment Officers, Adoption Social Workers, and Team Managers. Together, we deliver high-quality, responsive services to meet the diverse needs of our community.
Collaborating with three other London RAAs, ALS works across 24 boroughs to innovate and enhance adoption services. We focus on reducing delays for children, delivering impactful adoption support, and tackling systemic challenges, such as addressing race disparities in adoption. This crucial work is deeply embedded in our mission to achieve equitable outcomes for all children and families.
About the Role:
This is a unique opportunity to:
* Lead and shape adoption practices at the forefront of the sector.
* Contribute to national adoption strategies and innovative workstreams.
* Help transform lives while building a collaborative, future-ready service.
As our Service Manager, you will:
* Apply your understanding of adoption legislation and modern practices to drive excellence in service delivery and partnerships.
* Oversee performance, staff management, and resource allocation to achieve the goals set out in the ALS Delivery Plan.
* Take a leading role in addressing racial disparities in adoption journeys for South London children and families.
* Work closely with Adopt London RAAs to share insights, develop innovations, and achieve the best outcomes for children across the region.
* Evaluate service delivery critically, implement improvements, and embed innovative practices for lasting impact.
* Work closely with the Head of Service to create a diverse, forward-thinking adoption service tailored to the unique needs of South London children and everyone affected by adoption.
About You:
We are seeking an experienced and compassionate leader who is driven to make a lasting difference. To be considered for this role, you will:
* Hold a social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England (SWE).
* Understand permanence and adoption as lifelong journeys for children, families, and adults.
* Demonstrate strong leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and manage teams effectively.
* Have experience in oversight and collaboration, including financial management, systems administration, and partnership-building across Local Authorities and agencies.
* Show a commitment to equity, with proven experience in addressing race disparities and achieving fair outcomes.
* Be adept at managing change, embedding sustainable improvements, and navigating complex challenges with emotional intelligence and a solution-focused mindset.
Additional Information:
This position requires an Enhanced DBS for both Children and Adults.
This is a full-time, 36-hour per week role.
For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.
* £57,678 to £71,742 per annum (based on experience)
* Opportunities to develop personally, engage with national adoption strategies and lead transformative projects.
* Advert close date: 11:59pm on Sunday 5th January 2025
* Shortlisting date/s: week commencing 6th January 2025
* Interview date/s: week commencing 24th January 2025
We are an organisation that is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Global Majority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
* Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
* Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
* If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
Salary Range (Full time equivalent): £57,678 - £71,742
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