Assistant Team Manager (Children with Disabilities Team)

Are you a Social Worker who puts children and their families at the forefront of everything you do? Are you committed to the highest standard of service delivery? Do you want to be part of an innovative service and inclusive management team who constantly strives to make a difference to children with disabilities and their family? Are you ready to take the first step into a management role?

If so, West Berkshire Council may have the management position you’ve been waiting for.

What makes a great social worker is their ability to develop and maintain high quality relationships with children and their families. In order to do this effectively, they have to be given the right support and guidance and a working environment where they can flourish. This is where you come in.

We are looking for an exceptional professional who will embrace the opportunity to learn and develop whilst supporting the Team Manager in the Children with Disabilities Team. West Berkshire’s Children with Disabilities Team works in partnership with SEN, Learning Support, Health and Education to deliver services for children and their families using a joined-up approach. The team includes Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Family Support workers and business support colleagues to deliver a service which promotes social inclusion and equality for children with disabilities.

Your main role will be to support the Team Manager responsible for the children subject to assessment or supported as Children in Need, Child Protection or Child in Care planning. You would supervise social workers, chair multi agency meetings, provide advice and guidance on individual cases and financial resources and risk assessment. You will also be given the opportunity to deputise for the Team Manager.

We work closely with other teams whom use the Family Safeguarding and therefore you will be provided the opportunity to be trained in Motivational Interviewing and to work closely with partner agencies utilising a strengths based approach in a framework of relationship based practice.

About you

To be successful in this crucial role, you will be a highly skilled, experienced and motivated Social Worker. You will have the gravitas and influence to support and inspire your team and others to meet our high professional standards. Enabling positive change in the lives of our most vulnerable is no easy feat, so you must be committed to introducing effective working practices to meet the changing needs of children and young people. You’ll also have an excellent knowledge of SW legislation and a strong commitment to safeguarding children.

Some management experience or experience as a Practice Educator would be beneficial but it’s not essential for the right candidate. We are committed to supporting talented social workers develop and take their first step into management.  However, it is essential that you hold a current Social Work England registration, and a full driving license.

Passionate, committed, forward thinking, innovative individuals please apply as you will be joining a service with like-minded people who have played a vital part in shaping the way in which we work.

About Us

At West Berkshire council, we recognise that managing and working in a frontline team is demanding. To be effective, teams need achievable caseloads, good supervision and a real break at times. This is why we invest in our frontline staff with a unique benefits package and a serious commitment to career development.

We offer a learning environment that will support you to advance your career and specialism working with children with disabilities. As an organisation we are committed to providing our staff with the opportunities they need to develop and progress at all stages of their career. At West Berkshire we offer a comprehensive range of training opportunities and professional development through professional supervision and mentoring with access to a training programme to grow and enhance your skills.

In addition, you will receive:

• A golden hello payment of £3k after one year in post
• A retention payment of £2k after two years of service
• A further retention payment of £3k, plus a four week paid sabbatical after three years’ service
• Flexible Working: West Berkshire has adopted a Hybrid Working Policy, which allows employees to split their time between attending the workplace and working remotely
• Free Parking
• Social Work England registration fees reimbursed
• Dedicated employee wellbeing service
• Regular and high quality reflective supervision.
• Approachable and visible senior leadership
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave allowance, plus an additional 5 days leave after 5 years continuous local authority service
• Staff benefits and discount scheme
• Relocation package of up to £8000 for individuals moving from outside a 30 mile radius (subject to eligibility)
• Blue Light card fees reimbursed

For an informal discussion about the role please contact April Dows, Team Manager on 01635 503165.

You can hear more about how we work at West Berkshire at https://info.westberks.gov.uk/cfsrecruitment

Do you think you have what it takes to join our team and contribute to improving outcomes for children? Apply today.