• Provide strong leadership to ensure the delivery of safe, high‑quality services for children and families in line with legislation, statutory guidance, and local policies.
  
• Manage the performance and professional standards of the team, ensuring practice meets national and organisational expectations.
  
• Contribute to the development and implementation of service plans, policies and initiatives.
  
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance outcomes for children, young people and families.
  

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Promote the service positively with staff, partner agencies, and service users.
  
• Chair meetings, lead working groups, and represent the service at internal and external forums as required.
  
• Provide clear direction, professional guidance, and visible leadership to the team.
  

Knowledge & Professional Practice

• Maintain an up‑to‑date understanding of relevant legislation, national guidance, research and departmental policies relating to children’s social care.
  
• Ensure practice reflects current statutory requirements and best practice developments.
  

Case Management Oversight

• Ensure effective allocation of cases and that all children have up‑to‑date, outcome‑focused plans.
  
• Oversee the quality of assessments, plans and interventions to ensure they are child‑centred and proportionate.
  

Supervision & Line Management

• Prioritise and provide regular, reflective supervision to team members.
  
• Prepare thoroughly for supervision sessions, offering constructive feedback, professional challenge and case‑related guidance.
  
• Identify and support the professional development needs of staff, ensuring compliance with professional registration requirements.
  

Risk Management

• Identify, monitor and respond to high‑risk and high‑profile cases in accordance with safeguarding procedures.
  
• Support staff in managing risk and making informed decisions that protect children.
  

Communication & Partnership Working

• Communicate clearly and effectively with staff, colleagues, service users and multi‑agency partners.
  
• Foster strong working relationships with partner organisations to support effective safeguarding and service delivery.
  

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

• Demonstrate commitment to equality, diversity and anti‑discriminatory practice.
  
• Ensure team members uphold the values and principles of inclusive, respectful service delivery.
  

Managing Resources

• Understand the basics of resource management, including staffing and financial considerations.
  
• Take accountability for ensuring that resources are used effectively and efficiently.
  

Managing Performance

• Model high‑quality, value‑driven practice that places the child at the centre.
  
• Ensure accurate, timely case recording in the Integrated Children’s System and compliance with data protection requirements.
  
• Use management information systems to analyse performance data and inform service improvements.
  
• Lead, motivate and support staff to achieve service objectives and performance targets.
  
• Manage delegated HR responsibilities including sickness, conduct, and performance management.
  

Strategic Contribution

• Understand the impact of national, regional and local policy on the service’s strategic direction.
  
• Work collaboratively with senior leaders and colleagues to develop and improve the service.
  
• Recruit, retain and support staff to ensure a skilled, motivated and effective workforce.
  
• Undertake additional duties as required to meet changing service needs.
  

Experience Required

• Significant post‑qualification experience in children’s social care.
  
• Experience supervising or managing social work staff.
  
• Experience of managing complex cases and safeguarding risks.
  
• Experience contributing to service improvement and implementing new approaches.
  
• Experience working in a multi‑agency safeguarding environment.
  

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team‑management skills.
  
• Excellent knowledge of children’s social care legislation and safeguarding procedures.
  
• Ability to analyse information, assess risk and make sound decisions.
  
• Clear, confident communicator with strong partnership‑working skills.
  
• Skilled in performance management and staff development.
  
• Ability to use case recording and management information systems effectively.
  
• High level of organisational, planning and problem‑solving skills.
  

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker (e.g. Degree in Social Work, CQSW, DipSW).
  
• Registered with the relevant professional body (e.g. Social Work England).
  
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
  
• Management training (desirable).