Team Manager Children We Care For – Permanent Contract type: Permanent Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week) Department: Children We Care For Salary: Grade 13, £49,600 to £53,191 per annum + MS from £8,717 pa Location: County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight Reference: 2026_1783 Contact: Mark Rodwell at mark.rodwell@iow.gov.uk or 01983 821000 Closing date: 30 April 2026 Description We are seeking a motivated and experienced Team Manager to lead our Children We Care for Team, ensuring high‑quality social work practice that promotes stability, permanency, and positive outcomes for children and young people we care for. In this key leadership role, you will provide clear direction, reflective supervision, and professional oversight to a team of social workers and practitioners. You will ensure statutory responsibilities are met, care plans are robust and child‑centred, and every child’s voice is heard and acted upon. Working collaboratively with internal and external partners—including fostering, education, health, and leaving care services—you will champion strong multi‑agency practice and drive continuous improvement. You will use performance data, quality assurance activity, and professional judgement to maintain high standards of safeguarding, care planning, and corporate parenting. This role requires a confident leader with a strong understanding of the legislative framework for looked‑after children, excellent decision‑making skills, and the ability to motivate and develop staff. You will play a central role in shaping the experiences of children we care for, ensuring they are supported to thrive. Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage a team of social workers, providing supervision, support, and professional development. Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, policies, and procedures. Ensure you and your team are committed to corporate parenting responsibilities. Drive the participation agenda to ensure children and young people are listened to and acted upon. Ensure legal permanency is achieved for children we care for. Use quality assurance to monitor and evaluate the performance of the team to ensure high standards of practice. Embed life story work in all practice. Ensure the safety of children at risk of contextual safeguarding. Work collaboratively with partners to promote the welfare of children. Maintain a focus on education and learning. Develop and stay abreast of new legislative changes and best practice. Manage budgets and resources effectively to deliver cost‑efficient services. Maintain accurate records and prepare reports as required.

Requirements

Degree in Social Work and registration with Social Work England. Significant experience working with children we care for. Proven leadership and management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Strong understanding of relevant legislation and best practices. Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities. Commitment to continuous professional development.

Benefits

Annual leave entitlement of 32 days per annum plus public holidays. Local Government pension scheme. Discounted Solent ferry travel. Island bus network discount. Cycle to work scheme. Staff parking permit scheme. Discounted island sports & leisure gym membership. National and local discounts & benefits schemes. Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 (subject to criteria). Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland (subject to criteria).

Interview Information Interviews will take place on Friday 8th May. Closing Date for applications: Thursday 30th April 23:59hrs #J-18808-Ljbffr