QSW - Team Manager - Children in Care

QSW - Team Manager - Children in Care

About Achieving for Children
Achieving for Children (AFC) is a Community Interest Company with a public sector ethos, combining innovation and social responsibility. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities - Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston, and Richmond - they offer the agility of a social enterprise while providing the employment benefits associated with local government.
Position Overview
I am seeking a dedicated Team Manager with relevant practice experience to join AFC's Children in Care Team in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. This role comes at an exciting time of positive change. Initially, it is a Maternity Cover post for 12 months, but the duration may be adjusted based on circumstances.
Key Responsibilities
As a Team Manager, you will play a crucial role in driving positive outcomes for children, young people, and their families. Here are the key responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Performance Management:

• Develop and manage Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure team performance.
• Set targets and continuously improve service delivery within the Children in Care Team.
• Monitor progress and take corrective actions as needed.

Quality Assurance and Reporting:

Produce high-quality reports for a range of stakeholders.

Engage in case planning, analysis, and thorough risk assessment.

Ensure compliance with agreed targets and standards.

Collaboration and Partnership:

Cultivate strong relationships with partner agencies.

Keep children and young people at the center of our work.

About You
To be a successful Team Manager at AFC, you should demonstrate the following qualities:
Passion for Impact:

You are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people.

Your commitment to their well-being drives your work.

Flexibility and Collaboration:

You can work flexibly and adapt to changing circumstances.

Excellent communication skills enable you to collaborate effectively with colleagues and partners.

Evidence-Based Decision-Making:

You use evidence and professional judgement to make informed decisions.

Assessing risks and determining future harm are part of your skill set.

Experience and Expertise:

You have experience assessing the needs of children and their families in accordance with the Framework for the Assessment.

Previous supervision or management experience within Children's Services is essential.

You actively contribute to complex multi-agency and multi-professional meetings.

Legal and Procedural Knowledge:

• You possess strong knowledge of the legal framework, policies, and procedures related to Safeguarding, Children in Care, and court processes.

Skills and Experience:

Significant Social Work Practice: You have worked on safeguarding cases, including preparing for and presenting evidence in court.

Case Worker Management: Experience managing case workers delivering social work with children, young people, and their parents/families facing safeguarding issues.

Permanency Planning: You understand and support thorough and thoughtful care planning for children.

People Management: You excel in managing people, performance, and professional development to maximize team effectiveness.

Engagement with Vulnerable Populations: Strong experience engaging with vulnerable and high-risk children, young people, and families. You implement effective interventions for sustainable outcomes.

Multi-Agency Collaboration: You thrive in an integrated working environment, collaborating with a range of multi-agency providers within the context of the team around the child/family.

Quality Assurance and Record Keeping: You have experience with effective recording, monitoring, evaluation, and quality assurance of interventions using various tools and Management Information Systems.

Risk Management and Safeguarding: You are well-versed in risk management and safeguarding within social care, including relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.

Equality and Diversity: You promote diversity, challenge discriminatory actions, and uphold equality.

Driving Skills: Possession of a valid driving license and daily use of a car for business purposes.

Personal Attributes
In addition to the above, we value the following personal attributes:

Passion for AFC's Vision, Mission, and Values:

You believe in supporting children and young people to live safe, happy, healthy, and successful lives.

The core values of trust, value, and respect resonate with you.

Benefits for You:
AFC focus on creating a positive and supportive environment. When you join the team, you'll have access to the following benefits:

• Annual Leave: Enjoy 29 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, which increases to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after four years of continuous service.
• Supportive Managers: The managers recognize the complexity of cases and workload. They value hard work, provide reassurance, build confidence, and facilitate career development and progression opportunities.
• Free Parking: Benefit from free parking at your main place of work.
• Salary and Pension Scheme: They offer a Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension).
• Travel Assistance: Receive a travel assistance package for business use, including car mileage reimbursement, an annual season ticket loan, or access to the cycle-to-work scheme.
• Remote Working Tools: Access a laptop, phone, and systems to work remotely, enabling hybrid working.
• Flexible Work Options: Maintain a good work-life balance through flexible working arrangements.
• Development Days: All staff receive a minimum of 12 protected Development Days each year.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Access comprehensive support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Staff Discounts: Enjoy a range of staff discounts with national retailers and well-known brands.
• Professional Development: Benefit from additional professional development opportunities as part of our regional Social Work Teaching Partnership.

Rewards and Development
In return for your commitment, AFC offer:

• High-Quality Support: We invest in your professional growth.
• Dynamic Environment: Join an innovative and forward-thinking team.
• Positive Impact: Contribute to the well-being of vulnerable children and young people.

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