Location
London Borough of Sutton, The Old Rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£57,402 per annum plus a generous Welcome and Retention Bonus:
£1,000 paid in your first month salary
£1,000 paid at the end of your 1st completed year in service
£2,000 paid after your 2nd completed year in service
£3,000 paid in your 3rd completed year in service and every completed year thereafter.
Total package of up to £62,620 including bonuses and benefits.

About the Borough
In Sutton, there is much to be proud of both as a council and as a borough, including high levels of resident satisfaction, quality services, and success in addressing financial challenges. The council actively involves residents on key issues and employs enthusiastic, motivated staff. Sutton is ambitious and focused on delivering improvements, with plans for new homes, schools, and the development of the London Cancer Hub. It is a driving force within the South London Partnership, focusing on strategic growth, regeneration, and investment.
Sutton is situated in Zone 5, less than 30 minutes by train from central London, with excellent rail and road connections to London and surrounding areas.

About the Service and Team
Locality Teams provide social work services to children and young people living at home under Section 17 or Section 47 of the Children Act 1989. The service works in partnership with agencies, children, young people, and families. Sutton offers a diverse and inclusive environment with manageable caseloads, regular supervision, daily management support, and extensive learning and development opportunities. The working week is flexible, supporting both home and office working to promote work/life balance.
Sutton collaborates with Kingston University and regional partners as part of the Developing Together Social Work Teaching Partnership (SWTP), offering pre- and post-qualifying education opportunities. Staff can attend conferences, workshops, and access research and practice resources. The council encourages staff to support social work students and those in the assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE).
Staff networks such as the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic +A Network, LGBTQ +A Network, and Women’s +A Network ensure staff voices drive positive change.

About the Role
As a Team Manager in Children Social Care, you will lead a multidisciplinary team within the Locality Teams, managing day-to-day operations and providing oversight of Social Workers and support staff involved in Child Protection, Child in Need, and Assessment and Referral services. Your focus will be ensuring children remain central to all recommendations and decisions.
You will manage a team of 4 Social Workers and 1 Specialist Support Worker, ensuring compliance with practice standards, legal frameworks, and policy. You will collaborate with partners across health, education, voluntary sectors, and others to create joint plans supporting young people.
You will ensure your team is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to perform effectively. Team Managers work collaboratively with other teams and organisations to ensure robust assessments, plans, and outcomes for families and young people.
Your leadership will support staff in adopting creative and innovative approaches while managing your own time to meet deadlines and demonstrate measurable outcomes. This is a challenging yet rewarding leadership role for experienced social care professionals seeking career advancement.

Our Offer to You
We are committed to nurturing talent and providing a supportive, friendly, and collaborative environment for career growth and skill development. We encourage new ideas and continuous improvement supported by a dynamic management team.
We offer a modern and flexible working environment supported by IT infrastructure including Google Chromebooks and Apps. Our Flexible Working - Smarter Working Scheme promotes work-life balance by allowing staff to work from various locations without the requirement to be in the office five days a week.
Employee benefits include generous annual leave plus bank holidays, flexi-time schemes, volunteering days, comprehensive learning and development programmes, local and national discounts, interest-free season ticket loans, Local Government Pension Scheme, car parking, bicycle loan and cycle to work schemes, Zipcar scheme, free eye tests with contributions towards glasses, confidential wellbeing and counselling support, and subsidised gym membership.

Application Process
Please apply online outlining your skills, abilities, and experience relevant to this role. Applications are anonymised during shortlisting to reduce bias. The closing date is indicative; early application is advised as the vacancy may close once sufficient applications are received.

Additional Information
We pride ourselves on being a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming borough, aiming to create a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates and disabled candidates, who are currently under-represented. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria.
We offer family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, and inclusive staff networks to support our diversity agenda.
Please note the UK’s points-based immigration system affects sponsorship requirements; candidates should check the latest guidance on right to work.

Experience
Extensive post-qualification practice experience in social work, ideally within a local authority setting. Proven leadership and managerial skills to effectively manage and motivate a multidisciplinary team of social care professionals.
Significant knowledge of relevant legislation including the Children Act 1989 and Working Together Guidance 2023.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and community partners to achieve shared objectives.

About You
Dedicated and experienced social care professional with strong management and leadership capabilities.
Ability to provide case direction and support staff in adopting creative and innovative approaches.
Strong organisational skills to manage time effectively, meet deadlines, and demonstrate measurable outcomes.
Passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families and thriving in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Social Work is essential.
Registration with Social Work England is required.
Preference for candidates holding a Master's degree.