Location
Sutton, London Borough of Sutton

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£57,402 per annum

About the Role
Join Children Social Care as a Team Manager and receive a generous Welcome and Retention Bonus:
£1000 paid in your first month salary
£1000 paid at the end of your 1st completed year in service
£2000 paid after your 2nd completed year in service
£3000 paid in your 3rd completed year in service and every completed year thereafter.

Reporting to the Service Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of a multidisciplinary Locality Team, providing direction and management oversight of Social Workers and supporting staff within Child Protection, Child in Need, and Assessment and Referral services. The focus is to ensure children are at the centre of all recommendations and decision making.

Your responsibilities will include managing a team of Social Workers and Specialist Support Workers, overseeing case management decisions, and ensuring compliance with practice standards, legal frameworks, and policy. You will work collaboratively across partners in the Borough including health, education, voluntary sector, and others to create joint plans supporting young people.

Team Managers work in partnership with other teams and organisations in health, education, and legal services to ensure the best outcomes for children and young people. You will quality assure work by ensuring robust assessments, plans, and outcomes for families and young people.

Your leadership will be key in providing case direction to all staff members, including partner agencies, supporting staff to adopt creative and innovative approaches while managing your own time effectively to meet deadlines and demonstrate measurable outcomes.

This role is ideal for experienced senior social workers, assistant managers, or team managers with strong management and leadership capabilities, ideally within a local authority setting. You will be expected to have in-depth knowledge of current legislation, regulations, and guidance relevant to social work practice.

About the Borough
The London Borough of Sutton is located less than 30 minutes by train from Central London, with direct connections to London Victoria and London Bridge. Sutton offers award-winning parks and open spaces, low crime rates, affordable housing, and excellent schools. The borough is committed to resident engagement and satisfaction, quality services, and addressing financial challenges while involving residents in key issues and local developments.

Sutton is investing in the health, wellbeing, and education of residents and future generations, as outlined in the “Ambitious for Sutton” corporate plan. Home to the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton is developing the London Cancer Hub, aiming to be a world-leading life-science district specializing in cancer research and treatment.

The Council plays a leading role in the South London Partnership, focusing on strategic growth, regeneration, and investment to improve services and spaces, making Sutton a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

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, offering a diverse and inclusive environment with manageable caseloads, regular supervision, daily management support, and extensive learning and development opportunities.

The working week is flexible, allowing a blend of 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 have access to conferences, workshops, research, and practice resources to support professional development and are encouraged to support the education of Social Work students and those in the assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE). Sutton also hosts staff network groups including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic +A Network, LGBTQ +A Network, and Women’s +A Network to ensure staff voices drive positive organisational change.

Our Offer to You
We are committed to helping you fulfil your potential in a supportive, friendly, and collaborative environment. We encourage innovation and value your ideas to improve our ways of working.

Benefits include:
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 26-32 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time)
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and dependents leave
- Two volunteering days per year
- Flexible working arrangements and Smarter Working Scheme (role dependent)
- Adjustable and agile working using Google Chromebooks
- Learning and development portal with a range of courses
- Discounts on local shops, restaurants, gyms, and leisure centres
- Interest-free season ticket loans
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle leasing scheme
- Confidential health, wellbeing, and counselling support

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

About you
Dedicated and experienced social care professional with a passion for making a meaningful impact on children and families.
Ability to lead and support staff to adopt creative and innovative approaches.
Strong organisational skills to manage time effectively and meet tight deadlines.
Committed to working collaboratively in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Alignment with organisational values including transparency, authenticity, and the PRIDE values.

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.
Experience within a local authority setting is highly desirable.