Job Introduction
Team Manager (Children in Care)
Salary: PO6, SCP 35-38, £51,356 - £54495 per annum + £3000 Retention, Permanent, 37 hours per week, Based in Bradford
Working for the Bradford Children and Families Trust offers the opportunity to work with some great people who are passionate about delivering change in a city whose culture offers as much diversity as it’s geography. You can make a real difference to families and children and be an active part in delivering the service Bradford families should receive.
About the Role
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children in care? We are looking for talented individuals to join our dedicated children in care team in Bradford to help shape the future of young lives. The role of a Team Manager in children in care services is pivotal to our success. Therefore, an ability to work within different statutory frameworks and move easily between them is essential. You’ll know how to keep everyone in your team energised and focused on doing the right thing for the children of Bradford.
Managing a team of 6 Social Workers, a Practice Supervisor and a community resource worker, you’ll help us achieve our aim of delivering outcomes for the children in care, driving permanency for our children. You will provide strong leadership, driving continuous improvement, and putting the needs of children first, always.
Here in Bradford, we lead from the front, and we know our most valuable resource is our staff, helping us to meet the needs of our communities. We have built a strong culture of listening to our staff and involving them to ensure every child receives the right help. Bradford is a great place to build your career. You’ll receive an extensive training and support package that will help you develop as a professional, a manageable workload that will enable you to make a difference and the backing of a supportive leadership team.
Bradford is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community. You'll be part of a supportive network of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children.
As we continue to grow and evolve, now is the perfect time to join us. Our recent Ofsted report acknowledges our progress, with improvements exceeding expectations ahead of time.
Our approach is also rooted in restorative and relational practice, fostering trust, mutual respect and meaningful relationships with children, families and professionals.
You’ll also;
- Manage a team of 6 social workers of differing levels, a practice supervisor and a community resource worker
- Offer reflective supervision to workers, both case and personal
- Support progression of your workers and tackling poor performance when needed.
- Monitor Performance of your team through audit activity, reflective group supervision and quality assurance activity.
- Undertake audit activity and disseminate learning identified.
- Undertake practice development projects with those who use our services, colleagues, and stakeholders.
- Attend relevant partner agency meetings and service manager meetings.
- Implement and support change within the team and offer a supportive and nurturing leadership style
- Work to achieve permanency and outstanding outcomes for children and young people through relationship-based practice.
- Chair multi-agency meetings and making decisions linked to a thorough understanding of safeguarding thresholds.
To be successful in this role you will need;
- Hold a DIPSW or equivalent qualification and are registered with the Social Work England as a qualified social worker, with at least four years post qualifying experience.
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
- Have supervisory and/or management experience
- Experienced and expert in managing the delivery of quality outcomes for children and young people.
- An ability to build strong relationships with children, their families, colleagues and partner agencies.
- To be passionate about the development of others
- To embrace change and strive for excellent practice placing children and young people at the heart of decision making; you will have experience of tackling the most complex needs with enthusiasm, drive, and determination.
You’ll also be joining an organisation that truly values its people, offering a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance, including:
- Retention Payment: You will be eligible for our annual retention payment of £3000, paid in 12 monthly instalments. This is non contractual (reviewed annually)
- Enhanced annual leave entitlement: 31 days rising to 34 with service (plus bank holidays)
- Excellent local Government pension
- Competitive salary and pay progression structure
- Supportive carer and parental policies
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Access to Occupational Health and confidential counselling services
- Supportive staff networks
- Access to Blue Light Card discounts, including cost of living support
- Professional development/support and opportunities career progression
Bradford Children and Families Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.
If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history prior to interview.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check including a check against the Children’s barred list, will be carried out on preferred candidates.
To arrange an informal discussion, please contact Keri Oncel, email address keri.oncel@bradfordcft.org.uk
Closing Date: 7th June
Interviews: 15th June
