Practice Manager, Children's Services

Job Description

We're looking for a Practice Manager - Children's Services for a local government client in Luton, Bedfordshire. To provide effective management of the day-to-day operations and service delivery of the Youth Partnership Service, to achieve the best outcomes for children, young people, families and victims and protect the public from serious harm. Offer supervision and support to staff based within the Service and ensure the work of the Service is carried out in accordance with legal requirements, local policies, national standards and best professional practice.

Responsibilities

Provide caseload management and individual practice support to staff across the service, in line with professional standards, to ensure effective oversight of high-risk cases regarding risk of serious harm and vulnerability. Make effective decisions and recommendations, taking personal responsibility for them. Ensure that staff input and update electronic client records appropriately and promptly, in line with Practice Standards.

Knowledge & Experience Requirements

• In-depth experience in a setting related to working with young people in the statutory arena, including experience overseeing operational performance.
• Substantial experience of complex decision-making within the children/youth services arena, with the ability to analyse information, conclude and make judgments based on outcomes and risk.
• Knowledge of Community Safety priorities.
• Proven problem-solving skills – the ability to identify causes, make objective and informed judgements that demonstrate emotional resilience and balance.
• Proven ability to work effectively to ensure delivery of a multi-agency team or teams within a children's
• social care service to deliver outcomes for children and young people.
• Demonstrable ability of partnership working, including government, statutory, voluntary and community organisations.
• Ability to appraise and motivate staff in a way that ensures compliance with policies but also enables individuals to
• develop. Including the effective use of performance management in enabling staff development and ensuring service delivery is achieved.
• High level of communication skills in the English language, both verbal and written.
• Able to represent the Service with a wide variety of individuals and professionals in different settings to develop partnerships, persuade and gain commitment from them.
• Ability to implement anti-discriminatory practices and styles in all areas of work.
• Ability to demonstrate awareness and Understanding of equal opportunities
• Knowledge and Understanding of the full range of activities delivered by the Authority and partners in relation to children, young people and families.
• Experience in managing or supporting others and ensuring compliance with policy and procedures.
• Experience of working under pressure and making robust, evidence-informed decisions.
• Evidence of having delivered improved outcomes and impact for children and young people.
• Some experience in managing and controlling delegated budgets.

Qualification – Essential

• GCSE Grade (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics.
• Degree in Social Work or equivalent with significant post-qualification front-door services experience, plus evidence of CPD and Social Work England registration
• Advanced Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Outlook, Social Media and CRM

Essential Compliance Requirements

• 5 years' reference, including current employment
• Enhanced DBS & barred list check (Child & adult)
• Willing to engage in the mandatory pre-screening application process.

Diamond Blaque Group, a leading public-sector provider, is acting as the employment agency for this vacancy. Our organisation is deeply committed to fostering an environment of equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace.