Assistant Team Manager – Child Protection

Location: Dorchester, Dorset
Contract Type: Temporary, Full-Time (37 hours per week)
Working Pattern: Hybrid / Remote Working

About Us
We are a managed service agency providing high-quality temporary, contract, and interim opportunities within local government.
Our approach is built on strong values – ethical, trustworthy, and caring – with a focus on supporting frontline services and making a meaningful difference within the community.

About the Role
We are currently seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Team Manager to join our Permanence Team on a full-time basis.
This is a key leadership role, ideal for a qualified social worker with a passion for supporting children in care and ensuring they achieve long-term stability and positive outcomes.
Working closely with the Team Manager, you will play an integral role in leading and supporting the team to deliver high-quality, child-focused social work practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise, support, and appraise social workers and family workers
• Provide oversight and guidance on complex casework and care planning
• Chair professional meetings and contribute to informed decision-making
• Promote best practice and support continuous professional development within the team
• Act as a role model and mentor to colleagues
• Maintain a strong focus on achieving permanence and stability for children in care

About the Team
Our Permanence Team works with children from the conclusion of care proceedings throughout their journey in care. We focus on building lasting relationships and securing stable, long-term placements that enable children to thrive.

You will work collaboratively with fostering services, commissioning teams, the Virtual School, and the Children in Care Health Team to ensure a holistic approach to each child’s needs.

About You
To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Proven experience in supervising and mentoring social work professionals
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and support a team
• A track record of managing complex cases and delivering positive outcomes
• Excellent communication and partnership-working abilities
• A child-centred approach with a passion for improving lives

Why Join Us?
You will be part of a service recognised for its commitment to children, families, and care leavers, with an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating.

You will benefit from:

• Supportive and experienced leadership
• Regular supervision and professional support
• Access to high-quality resources
• Opportunities for ongoing career development
• A collaborative and values-driven working environment

Essential Requirements

• Enhanced DBS (Adults) – can be arranged
• Eligibility to work in the UK
• Registered with Social Work England (SWE)
• Relevant social work degree or equivalent qualification
• Minimum of 3 years’ post-qualified experience within the UK
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle