Team Manager Front Door

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced MASH Team Manager to join our Front Door. A Children’s Social Care Team Manager at the Front Door plays a pivotal role in ensuring that children and families receive the right support at the right time, starting from their very first contact with Children’s Services. The Front Door is the first point of contact for all referrals and concerns about children’s welfare. As a Team Manager in this critical area, you are responsible for leading a team that triages, assesses, and responds to incoming contacts from the public, professionals, and partner agencies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Front Door team in managing referrals and initial contacts, ensuring timely and appropriate responses to concerns about children’s safety and wellbeing.
• Oversee decision-making on thresholds for intervention, ensuring that referrals are directed to the right service—whether Early Help, assessment teams, or immediate safeguarding action.
• Work closely with the call handling service, providing professional advice and ensuring accurate information gathering at the first point of contact.
• Chair strategy discussions and legal planning meetings where there are concerns about significant harm or the need for care proceedings.
• Collaborate with partner agencies such as the police, health, and education to ensure a coordinated and effective response to safeguarding concerns.
• Ensure compliance with statutory guidance (e.g., Working Together to Safeguard Children), local procedures, and national standards.
• Support and supervise staff, ensuring high-quality practice, manageable workloads, and continuous professional development.
• Monitor performance and quality, using data and feedback to drive improvements in service delivery.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Fixed Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 4+ days in the office
• Spends most or all of their time in the office, due to nature of the work but can be for reasons such as unsuitable home working conditions or a desire for separation of home and work life.
• The office remains a shared space with cultural encouragement for clear desk policies.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and families. You will be someone who thrives in a fast-paced, multi-agency environment, and is committed to safeguarding children, promoting their welfare, and ensuring they receive the right support at the right time. Your leadership will inspire a team of professionals to deliver high-quality, child-centred services from the very first point of contact.

Essential Qualifications

• Registered as a Social Worker with Social Work England.
• A recognised Social Work qualification (e.g. Social Work Degree or Diploma).
• Achieved or committed to studying for a specialist post-qualifying award or equivalent.

Essential Knowledge and Experience:

• At least 5 years post-qualifying experience as a social worker.
• In-depth knowledge of:
• Childcare legislation and safeguarding protocols
• National Minimum Standards
• Thresholds for intervention and decision-making
• Experience in:
• Leading and managing staff, including supervision and appraisal
• Service development and embedding improvements
• Budget management, resource allocation, and contracts
• Handling complex, sensitive, or contentious information
• Planning and chairing meetings
• Multi-agency working and engaging with service users

• Strong communication skills (written, verbal, and interpersonal).
• Ability to manage own workload and that of a team to meet deadlines.
• Understanding and recognition of professional boundaries.

Desirable Criteria:

• A management qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 5, ILM, or equivalent) already achieved.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and valuesand are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Lisa Hollingdale, Development Lead Front Door and Initial Directions, at Lisa.hollingdale@n-somerset.gov.uk or 07353131232.

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: Monday 11 August 2025

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.