Children's Social Work Team Manager – Family Help Service – 3 Month Contract

Location: Bluebell Centre, Chelmsley Wood, Solihull
Rate: £41.42 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: Initial 3 Month Contract
Hours: 37 Hours Per Week
Working Pattern: Hybrid Working
DBS: Enhanced DBS (Children's) Required
Pay: Bi-Weekly

Important Requirement

• Candidates must be ready to start immediately.
  
• Completion and submission of the mandatory DfE Declaration Form is required before CV submission.
  

Summary

Solihull Children's Services is on the lookout for a seasoned Team Manager to lead one of its Family Help Teams. This role is part of a respected and stable Children's Services department known for its strong leadership, manageable caseloads, and dedication to achieving positive outcomes for children and families. The Family Help Service comprises eight Family Help Teams, a Specialist Court Team, a Specialist Edge of Care Service, and an Exploitation Hub. These teams handle Family Help Assessments, Child in Need work, Child Protection Plans, and Section 47 safeguarding inquiries.

About the Team

Each Family Help Team is composed of:

• 1 Team Manager
  
• 1 Advanced Practitioner
  
• 5 Social Workers
  
• 3 Family Support Workers
  

Teams operate on a duty system, with each team handling duty one week out of every eight. During duty weeks, teams are office-based and manage incoming referrals, typically receiving between 45 and 55 children weekly.

Working Arrangements

• 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
  
• Hybrid working model
  
• Office-based during duty week (1 week in every 8)
  
• Minimum of one office day per week outside duty weeks
  
• Flexible hybrid working in line with service needs
  

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a Family Help Team
  
• Oversee Family Help Assessments, Child in Need Plans, Child Protection Plans, and Section 47 Safeguarding Enquiries
  
• Provide high-quality reflective supervision to Social Workers and Family Support Workers
  
• Support practitioners in making complex safeguarding decisions and managing risks
  
• Ensure effective case progression and oversight
  
• Drive quality assurance, service improvement, and performance management
  
• Monitor compliance with statutory requirements and practice standards
  
• Promote high-quality social work practice and positive outcomes for children
  
• Develop effective partnerships with agencies across the children's workforce
  
• Support workforce development, coaching, and professional growth
  
• Contribute to service planning and continuous improvement initiatives
  

Essential

Requirements

Requirements:

• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration
  
• Extensive experience managing Social Workers within Children's Services
  
• Strong background in Child Protection, Safeguarding, Family Help, Child in Need, and Front Door/Duty Services
  
• Experience managing assessment and frontline safeguarding services
  
• Proven track record in delivering high-quality supervision and management oversight
  
• Experience in Quality Assurance, Auditing, and Practice Improvement Activity
  
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills
  
• Ability to manage performance and support service improvement
  
• Excellent communication and partnership-working skills
  

Additional

• Enhanced DBS (Children's) required
  
• Essential car user
  
• Willingness to complete a written exercise and panel interview process
  
• Interviews may be conducted face-to-face or via Microsoft Teams
  

What's on Offer?

• £41.42 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• Initial 3 Month Contract
  
• 37 Hours Per Week
  
• Hybrid Working
  
• Enhanced DBS Required
  
• Bi-Weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to join a highly regarded Children's Services department
  
• Stable leadership and supportive management structure
  
• Manageable caseloads and strong reflective supervision culture
  
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on outcomes for children and families
  

This position is ideal for candidates with experience as a Team Manager, Children's Team Manager, Child Protection Team Manager, Safeguarding Team Manager, Family Help Team Manager, Assessment Team Manager, Child in Need Team Manager, or Frontline Children's Services Manager.