Social Care Practice Manager

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Job Description

• Suffolk County Council - Riverside, Lowestoft, NR33 0EQ - Hybrid
• £50,830 per annum (pro rata if part time)
• 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
• Fixed Term or Secondment for 6 months

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we're driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people. That's why, when you join us as a Practice Manager, you'll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.

An exciting development opportunity has arisen to manage the Child in Care team based at Riverside, Lowestoft for 6 months commencing February 2025.

Your role and responsibilities:

You will:

• manage a team of Social Workers, developing high quality practice and performance
• ensure children and families are fully involved in planning using Suffolk Signs of Safety and Wellbeing principles
• ensure effective oversight of cases across both long-term children in care and care proceedings work.
• take the lead for audit of casework, ensuring case recording is of high quality and in timescale
• deal with complaints, seeking early resolution where possible
• effectively manage budgets and team resources
• be involved in the recruitment and selection of staff
• be involved in strategic planning and project management.

You will need:

• experience of supervising or mentoring staff effectively, ensuring good practice and successful outcomes
• the ability to manage resources effectively, ensuring quality of delivery and within the allocated budget
• experience of quality assurance processes, with the ability to interpret data and act on findings
• to be able to lead on practice, and support professional development of the team
• demonstrable experience managing casework relating to children in care and care proceedings

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

The team is comprised of 12 social workers, and you will have the support of a Consultant Social Worker and Assessment Coordinator.

The team are responsible for all children in care within the locality, both children looked after long-term by the Local Authority, and those subject to care proceedings. As well as providing support for those children who remain in care, the team also focus on reunification, ensuring that those children who can safely be with their parents have the support they need to return home.

This is an exciting time to be joining the Child in Care Team, as there is a planned move for the team into the new 'Children in Care Service' which is being created. It is anticipated that you would have a role in supporting this transition.

Empowering Everyone

We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Steve Blaney for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 07742 505342 or emailing steve.blaney@suffolk.gov.uk

If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx)

Step 2 - Click 'Apply Now' to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk

Closing date: 11.30pm, 19 November 2024

Interview date: 6 December 2024

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

About Us

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We're driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you'll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).