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 package totaling up to £62,620 including benefits.

About the Borough
In Sutton, there is much to be proud of both as a council and as a borough. This includes high levels of resident satisfaction, quality services, and success in addressing financial challenges. The Council actively involves residents on key issues and employs enthusiastic and 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 key player in the South London Partnership, driving strategic growth, regeneration, and investment. Situated in Zone 5, Sutton offers excellent transport links to central London and surrounding areas via multiple train stations and an extensive road network.

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. This is achieved through partnership working with agencies, children, young people, and families. The service offers a diverse and inclusive environment with manageable caseloads, regular supervision, daily management support, and extensive learning and development opportunities. A flexible working approach supports work/life balance with options for home and office working. Sutton collaborates with Kingston University and regional partners through the Developing Together Social Work Teaching Partnership to provide pre- and post-qualifying education. Staff have access to conferences, workshops, research resources, and opportunities to support social work students and ASYE. The Council also supports staff networks including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, LGBTQ+, and Women’s networks to promote 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 in Child Protection, Child in Need, and Assessment and Referral services. You will ensure children remain central to all decisions and recommendations. Responsibilities include managing a team of 4 Social Workers and 1 Specialist Support Worker, ensuring compliance with practice standards, legal frameworks, and policies, and working collaboratively with partners in health, education, and the voluntary sector to develop joint plans supporting young people. You will equip your team with the skills and support needed to perform effectively and quality assure assessments, plans, and outcomes. This role requires strong leadership to foster innovative approaches and manage time efficiently to meet deadlines and deliver measurable results. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced senior social workers, assistant managers, or team managers with proven leadership skills and in-depth knowledge of social care legislation and practice.

Our Offer to You
We provide a supportive, friendly, and collaborative environment to help you grow your career and skills. We encourage innovation and value your ideas. Our flexible working scheme supports a healthy work/life balance with modern IT infrastructure. Benefits include generous annual leave plus bank holidays, flexi-time schemes, volunteering days, comprehensive learning and development, 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 and contributions towards glasses, confidential wellbeing and counselling support, and subsidised gym membership.

Experience
Extensive post-qualification social work practice experience with strong leadership and managerial skills. Proven ability to manage and motivate a multidisciplinary team effectively. Experience working within a local authority setting is preferred.

About You
A dedicated and experienced social care professional passionate about making a meaningful impact on children and families. You thrive in collaborative environments and demonstrate creativity and innovation in your approach. You possess excellent time management skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines while delivering measurable outcomes.

Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Social Work is essential, with a preference for candidates holding a Master's degree. Registration with Social Work England is required. Significant knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989 and Working Together Guidance 2023, is expected. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and community partners to achieve shared objectives.