Team Manager (Children in Care)

Service: Starting Well – Safeguarding & Corporate Parenting

Grade: G10- £59511- £63966pa

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and inspirational Team Manager to lead a Children in Care / Looked After Children social work team within our Safeguarding and Corporate Parenting Service. Reporting to a Service Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operational leadership of the team, ensuring high-quality, child-centred and relationship-based social work practice that delivers improved outcomes for children and young people in our care.

Team Managers are integral to our service. You will provide support, challenge and direction, motivating social workers and promoting consistent, high-quality practice in line with legislation, guidance and local priorities. You will be required to attend the office for three days per week.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage a statutory Children in Care social work team
Ensure effective delivery of services in line with legislation, statutory guidance and best practice
Provide high-quality supervision, appraisal and professional development
Promote systemic, relationship-based and face-to-face practice
Ensure robust recording, care planning and permanence planning, evidencing the voice of the child
Chair and attend multi-disciplinary meetings and reviews
Manage performance, workloads and delegated budgets
Work collaboratively with internal and external partner agencies
Contribute to service development alongside the Service Manager and Head of Service, escalating issues and risks as required

About You

You will hold a recognised Social Work qualification, be registered with Social Work England, and have experience of managing statutory children’s social care teams. You will demonstrate strong knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory responsibilities, with a proven ability to lead, supervise and motivate staff within a systemic model of practice. Experience of working with Children in Care is desirable.

Our Improvement Journey

Following a recent Ofsted inspection, we are undertaking a significant improvement journey to re-establish and strengthen high-quality practice across Children’s Services in Havering. We are looking for committed and resilient leaders motivated to improve services, promote children’s wellbeing, and contribute confidently to sustainable service improvement.

What We Offer

A 10-day learning and development offer each year
Access to our Social Care Academy and Systemic Practice framework
Strong senior leadership commitment to improvement
A supportive environment focused on professional development and reflective practice

If you are ready to play a pivotal role in shaping our improvement journey and delivering positive outcomes for children and young people, we encourage you to apply.

Please view Job Profile here

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact kate.rubenach@havering.gov.uk

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 25/5/26 however interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

You will be notified if your application has been successful. Interview date to be confirmed.

Should you require any help or advice with your online application, please contact the Recruitment Helpdesk on 01708 432770

Additional Information

We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.

The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

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