Job description

3 months contract with local authority

The Team Leader plays a crucial role in providing operational management and leadership across designated service areas, supporting the Head of Safeguarding and other Heads of Service. This position involves managing Senior Practitioners and Social Workers to ensure high-quality interventions, effective case management, and decision-making that prioritise the welfare of children, young people, and their families. Utilizing AfC’s social work practice model, Signs of Safety, the Team Leader will adhere to established quality standards and procedures. The role also involves representing AfC in operational and strategic multi-agency meetings, leading professional development, and fostering a culture of partnership and innovation to enhance service delivery.

Responsibilities

Provide operational management and leadership across service areas.
Manage Senior Practitioners and Social Workers to ensure quality interventions.
Oversee case management and decision-making processes.
Represent AfC in multi-agency and strategic meetings.
Lead professional development initiatives within the team.
Promote a culture of partnership, innovation, and adaptability.
Ensure services are child-focused and flexible.
Encourage learning from mistakes and sharing knowledge.

Requirements

Qualifications

Degree-level education with a relevant professional qualification in social work.
Postgraduate qualification in social work, leadership, or management.
Active Social Work England registration with evidence of continuing professional development.

Skills and Experience

Extensive social work practice, particularly in safeguarding cases, including court presentations.
Experience managing case workers dealing with safeguarding issues in children and families.
Expertise in permanency planning and supporting thorough care planning for children.
Proven ability to manage people, performance, and professional development.
Strong engagement skills with vulnerable and high-risk children, young people, and families.
Experience working in integrated environments with multi-agency providers.
Proficiency in recording, monitoring, evaluating, and assuring quality in case work practice.
Strong understanding of risk management and safeguarding in social care.
Knowledge of equality and commitment to promoting diversity and challenging discriminatory practices.

Children Social Worker Team Leader