Practice Manager

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Location: Office-based (Station Road Centre, Barkingside)

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.

About the Role

Step into a pivotal leadership role as we progress our Family Help model, fully inspired by the transformative Families First approach. This is your invitation to be at the forefront of social care reform—where support for children and families begins the moment they reach out and continues seamlessly through every stage of their journey.

As a Practice Manager you will be responsible for managing a unit of 6 social workers and 2 family support workers. You will lead the duty team on a 1:8 weekly basis and be responsible for providing case direction to social workers on allocation. You will also be accountable for all CP, CIN and Early Help cases management, including Pre-Proceedings and Proceedings under the PLO. The role entails working closely with the expert Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT) as well as our Resource Team, Domestic Abuse Service (Reach Out) Pre and Post Birth Team and Specialist Exploitation Team, to ensure families get the right help at the right time. Key to this role is providing effective supervision and leadership to staff ensuring that cases do not drift and that key KPI’s are fully met.  

Join us as we break down traditional barriers, replacing step-ups and step-downs with a truly integrated, multi-agency framework. Here, your leadership will help shape a culture where meaningful outcomes for children and families in Redbridge are not just a goal, but a reality. If you’re passionate about making a lasting difference and eager to help drive the DfE’s Social Care Reforms, we invite you to be part of this exciting journey.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and supervise a team of social workers and alternatively qualified practitioners.
• Contribute to and manage performance of the team.
• Provide high-quality supervision, case direction, and professional guidance.
• Oversee throughput of work and ensure timely, effective interventions.
• Collaborate with social workers to maintain high standards and be OFSTED minded.
• Promote a positive culture of positivity and inclusivity that supports professional growth and senior leaders.
• Monitor service effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.

Support on Offer

We are committed to creating a nurturing and supportive environment where staff feel valued and empowered. You will receive:

• Regular supervision to support your professional development and wellbeing.
• Access to peer support and reflective practice sessions.
• Opportunities for training and career progression within a forward-thinking service.
• A culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
• An opportunity to participate in a leadership program that is nationally recognized.

Essential Criteria

• Recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
• Proven experience managing teams in children’s services or family support.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, early intervention, and relevant legislation.
• Strong understanding and ability to interpret data from Power BI.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• Comprehensive understanding of the Children Act 1989, relevant policies and procedures, including experience of court work and pre-proceedings.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multi-agency partners and engage families.
• Commitment to delivering positive outcomes for children and families.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to shape innovative interventions and make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families. You’ll be part of a dynamic, supportive team that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning. Come and join us to make a real difference in the lives of our children and families in Redbridge.

To apply for this post, you must submit an online application form along with uploading a copy of your CV and cover letter.

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.