Come aboard the Northampton Children's Trust team and immerse yourself in a culture that prioritises the well-being of children. We extend our support to encompass entire families, guided by unwavering principles of trust, integrity, and empathy. If you're driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact and are committed to showcasing respect, kindness, and dedication, we encourage you to submit your application today. Together, let's work towards shaping a more promising future for our community.
Job Title: Strategic Manager - Children in Care Team
Location: Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
Position Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary Range: £77,138 - £90,001 per annum
Overall Purpose of the role:
The position entails offering both practical and social work assistance to children, young individuals, and families, with a focus on managing intricate caseloads. Duties encompass conducting assessments, visiting families, implementing interventions, evaluating progress, engaging directly with children and families, and any additional tasks deemed essential. All activities are grounded in evidence-based practices, prioritising the welfare of children and young individuals. Moreover, the role may involve providing mentorship, facilitating work-shadowing or work experience, and pursuing further education towards the Practice Educator qualification and post-qualifying modules.
Principal Responsibilities:
Lead on the development, implementation and review of strategic plans for children in care, ensuring alignment with corporate and national priorities.
Promote a vision of high aspirations and excellent outcomes for looked after children and care leavers.
Lead the operational delivery of services for children in care, including team performance, service quality, and compliance with statutory requirements.
Drive service improvements using performance data, audit, quality assurance, and feedback from children, carers and staff.
Ensure all children in care receive high-quality, timely assessments, care plans, and support packages.
Oversee the delivery of robust supervision, support and development opportunities for social work and management staff.
Lead on preparation and response to external inspections (e.g., Ofsted), ensuring services meet or exceed inspection standards.
Work closely with health, education, police, legal, and commissioning partners to ensure holistic support for children in care.
Develop effective working relationships with carers, young people, families and community organisations.
Represent the Trust at multi-agency strategic boards, panels, and forums.
Essential Criteria:
Qualification in Social Work (CQSW)/ Certificate in Social Service (CSS)/ Diploma in Social Work (SW- SP)/ Home Office letter of recognition.
PQ Award Evidence of Post Qualification learning and Development.
Social Work England registration.
Knowledge of main issues in relation to own client group. Awareness of the main legislative framework within which the role operates.
Knowledge of the range of services which are available to children and families and of the organisational framework within which they are provided.
Extensive post qualification experience of children and families social work within a statutory or voluntary organisation.
Knowledge of child development and of family functioning and dynamics.
How to Apply:
If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity and possess the required qualifications, click the link above to apply now.