QSW - Service Manager - Reviewing

QSW - Service Manager - Reviewing

Reviewing Service Manager
Responsible To: Head of Quality Assurance and SafeguardingSalary: £57,940 - £63,616Are you seeking a challenging and fulfilling role? Look no further! Slough Children First are committed to ensuring that all local children are happy, safe, loved, and thriving.
About Slough:

• They take pride in being one of the most ethnically diverse local authorities in England. In 2021, 64% of our population came from
• Global majority backgrounds, and an additional 12% were from a white non-British background.
• Their community boasts one of the youngest populations in the UK, with nearly 28% of residents aged under 18 (compared to 21% nationally).

Slough's Achievements:

Over the past year, Slough have achieved significant progress for their looked-after children. Their strategies, approved by the cabinet, include:

• The Participation Strategy: Developed in partnership with key stakeholders, this strategy enhances Slough's approach to participation, ensuring that all voices are heard.
• The Children's Sufficiency (Placements) Strategy: A crucial plan to meet the needs of children in care.
• The Early Help Strategy: Shaped by input from various stakeholders, this strategy outlines Slough's vision for early help services.

Location Advantage:

• Situated at the crossroads of the M25, M4, and M40, they are one of the most accessible places to work.
• Less than 20 minutes by train to Central London, our location offers convenience and connectivity.

Main Accountabilities:
Leadership Support:

• Collaborate with the Head of Service to provide strong leadership within the service area.
• Develop a clear vision for achieving positive outcomes for children on child protection plans and those who are looked after.

Conference Management:

• Administer and chair initial and review child protection conferences as well as statutory reviews for children looked after (CLA).
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and guidance.

Supervision and Support:

• Provide high-quality supervision and professional support to Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs) and Child Protection Chairs.

Child-Centric Approach:

• Prioritise the views of children and young people involved in these procedures.
• Record and act upon their perspectives wherever possible.

Consultation and Advice:

• Offer consultation, advice, and information to operational staff in Children's Services and other agencies.
• Address matters related to Child Protection Conferences and CLA reviews.

Strategic Influence:

• Provide expert advice to inform strategic priorities, development, and improvement activities.
• Contribute to Slough Children First's (SCF) successful realisation of its vision.

Project Leadership:

• Take the lead on specific projects that enhance the ongoing improvement and development of the Reviewing Service and align with SCF's vision and priorities.

Challenging the Norm:

• Challenge effectively at all levels within SCF.
• Foster a culture of robust and effective challenge to drive continuous improvement.

Conflict Resolution:

• Address conflicts promptly, seeking resolution at the earliest opportunity.
• Implement agreed-upon escalation procedures when necessary.

Learning Culture:

• Embed a culture of learning and reflection within the Reviewing Service.
• Share insights and learning across the broader SCF community.

Partnership Collaboration:

• Collaborate closely with partners to ensure their contributions to Child Protection and CLA processes meet the required standards outlined in Working Together 2018 and Care Planning Regulations.
• Provide a robust partnership challenge when standards are not met.

Safeguarding Participation:

• Contribute to the operation of the Slough Safeguarding Partnership, actively participating in relevant activities.

Required:
Education, Training & Experience:
As a Reviewing Service Manager, we expect you to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Slough's team. Here are the essential qualifications and competencies:
Management Expertise:

• Significant management experience within children's services.
• A proven track record of collaborating effectively with various partner organisations to achieve measurable and sustained success.

Change Management and Quality Optimization:

• Demonstrated success in managing change and optimizing value and quality services through effective service management.

Staff Management Skills:

• Successful management of staff, including resolving conflicting interests and priorities.

Equal Opportunities and Service Delivery:

• Evidence of achievement and a clear understanding of equal opportunities in both employment and service delivery.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Proven ability to work collaboratively with internal and external agencies, staff, elected members, trade unions, and community groups.

Children's Services Knowledge:

• In-depth understanding of children's services, including statutory duties, responsibilities, and policy requirements.

Public Sector Acumen:

• Familiarity with public sector policies and performance frameworks related to services for children, young people, and families.

Professional Qualifications:

• Professional Social Work Qualification.
• Up-to-date registration with Social Work England.

Management Qualification:

• Possession of a relevant management qualification.

PEPS Training:

• PEPS training or a willingness to complete the training.

General & Specific Knowledge:
Team Leadership and Motivation:

• Ability to inform, listen, support, and motivate team members.
• Confidence in challenging inadequate performance or unacceptable behaviour within the team.

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Proficiency in translating Service Plans into team plans.
• Utilize these plans to manage and monitor work effectively.

Process Management:

• Skill in managing business processes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Collaboration and Customer Focus:

• The ability to collaborate effectively with other services and stakeholders.
• Identify and implement customer-focused improvements.

Corporate Alignment:

• Ensure the team actively supports corporate activities and organizational goals.

Information Management:

• Encourage team members to capture and share information appropriately.
• Maintain comprehensive case records using IT systems.

Issue Resolution and Adaptability:

• Deal effectively with current issues as they arise.
• Demonstrate the ability to adapt within existing plans when necessary.

Risk Awareness:

• Stay aware of areas of ambiguity and risk within the service context.

Communication Skills:

• Possess excellent verbal, written, and IT skills to produce clear, literate, and appropriate reports and correspondence.

Why You'll Love Working for Slough Children First
Market Supplement and Retention Reward:

• Eligible frontline social workers can benefit from a market supplement of up to £5,600 (role-dependent).
• Additionally, there's a £1,000 retention reward after 18 months for frontline social workers.

Supportive Environment:

• Enjoy manageable caseloads and clear career pathways.
• Access excellent training and development opportunities to enhance your skills.

Perks and Benefits:

• Take advantage of the Tusker personal car lease scheme.
• Benefit from the Blue Light card, offering discounts at numerous high street and online stores.

Innovative Practices:

• Embrace our new social work operating model.
• Explore the use of electric pool cars and bikes.

Recognition and Flexibility:

• Experience staff recognition and a friendly working environment.
• Enjoy flexible working and agile practices supported by technology.

Convenient Location:

• Slough is less than 20 minutes by train to Central London.
• Our terrific central location near the M4, M40, and M25 ensures accessibility.

Quality of Life:

Slough is one of the most diverse places in the country outside of London.

Pleasant environments, above-average salaries, and a lower cost of living contribute to an enhanced quality of life for our employees.

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