Team Manager; Children with Disabilities

Redbridge is an ambitious, diverse and exciting east-London borough. What we do is driven by changing our relationship with local people to support our vision. As a result, we've developed innovative ways to build our communities and transform our Council.

We're one of the fastest growing parts of the country and the third most diverse London borough. Our communities are attracted by a mixture of excellent schools, relatively affordable housing, high-quality open space and rapid transport connections into the heart of the City. 

A brilliant opportunity has arisen within the Children with Disabilities (CWD) team for a bright, enthusiastic senior practitioner, Practice Manager or existing Team Manager to manage one of the CWD Social Work Teams based at Station Road. This role would suit a current Senior Practitioner/Manager who is looking to progress in their development within Redbridge and may want to consider this exciting expert role.

We are looking for someone who will influence good practice as well as expand their skills in management whilst taking on a leadership role within the service. Reporting to the Service Manager, you will be offered excellent support and development opportunities. The Children with Disabilities Service is committed to ensuring staff have manageable caseloads and that we maintain an ‘Outstanding’ service. As a Team Manager you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the Service has a well-developed structure and systems in place to support this.

We expect you to deliver excellence in all aspects of social work and safeguarding. Your expertise, passion and creativity will ensure that each individual child and young person experiences services which enable them to develop and achieve their dreams and aspirations. Your work will demonstrate a commitment to a joined-up approach with our partner agencies and, most importantly, with children, young people and their families and carers.

You will need to be able to lead, motivate and support a busy team in a challenging environment and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

The Team Manager is expected to have a detailed understanding of the Children Act, relevant legislation policies and procedures, thresholds as well as working with complex cases where children are subject to Children and Family Assessments, Child in Need and Child Protection plans. In addition to this, you will have a full understanding of Legal Planning Meetings (LPM’s) Public Law Outline (PLO) processes and   working knowledge of cases in proceedings and those that are subject to Section 7,37 and Supervision Orders.  Further to this, the CWD Team Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management of Looked After Children with disabilities including overseeing Court work, SEND tribunals (in the High Court) and permanency planning arrangements for children in care with disabilities as well as providing oversight on transitional arrangements. You will need to be SW England registered and have a recognised social work qualification.

Additional information about the role:

We have a strong permanent team, giving stability, direction and energy to the organisation. Redbridge Children with Disabilities Service is a great place for social care practitioners to thrive. Fundamental to fulfilling the responsibilities of this post is the ability to respond flexibly, positively and successfully to the ever-changing pressures that the Local Authority may face. Support can be provided with gaining knowledge of the SEND and commissioning aspects of the role.  

If you think this is the time for you to either join the CWD Service or step up to a Team Manager role, please submit an application form and an A4 size submission on:

• What experience, skills, and knowledge you have that would enable you to undertake this role?
• Why are you interested in the role?
• How would this opportunity benefit your professional development?

Ambitious for Redbridge

All short-listed applicants will need to demonstrate proof of right to work in the UK. At the London Borough of Redbridge, we receive a high volume of great-quality applicants, we therefore may close a vacancy earlier than advertised. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

 We are committed to employment practices that promote diversity and inclusion in employment and welcome applications from qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sex, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, colour, race, religion, or belief.