Team Manager - Child Protection Team
£54 - £55/hour
Team Manager - Child Protection Team
Location: Workington, Cumbria (Cumbria County Council / Cumberland Council)
Rate: -55 per hour
Job Purpose:
To lead, manage, and support a team of social workers delivering high-quality, statutory child protection services. The postholder will oversee complex casework, drive performance, and ensure that all safeguarding practices meet the highest standards. This is a senior operational leadership role requiring substantial experience in managing child protection teams within local authority settings.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide strong, visible leadership to a Child Protection Team of qualified social workers and support staff.
Oversee the management of complex child protection cases, including children subject to Child in Need, Child Protection, and Public Law Outline (PLO) processes.
Ensure timely progression of cases and robust decision-making aligned with statutory timescales and safeguarding procedures.
Chair key meetings including case supervision, legal planning meetings, and strategy discussions.
Maintain oversight of team performance, conduct audits, and implement service improvements as required.
Provide regular reflective supervision, support development, and manage staff performance through coaching and formal procedures.
Work in partnership with internal services (legal, education, early help) and external agencies (police, health, CAFCASS) to ensure integrated safeguarding responses.
Monitor and manage risk across the team''s caseload, escalating concerns appropriately and ensuring all safeguarding practices meet legal and ethical standards.
Use performance data and case tracking tools to improve outcomes and maintain Ofsted-compliant practice standards.
Promote a culture of high expectation, accountability, and continuous learning within the team.
Essential Requirements:
Social Work qualification (e.g., BA/MA in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW)
Social Work England registration
Substantial post-qualified experience in child protection, including managing high-risk and complex cases
Minimum 2-3 years'' experience as a Team Manager or Senior Practitioner in a statutory Children''s Services setting
In-depth understanding of relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989 & 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and Public Law Outline
Proven ability to lead teams, manage performance, and improve practice
Strong working knowledge of court proceedings, case audits, supervision, and quality assurance frameworks
Experience using case management systems (e.g., Liquidlogic)
Desirable:
Previous experience managing teams in Cumbria or a similar rural/complex geographic area
Management qualification (e.g., ILM, Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care)
Up-to-date Ofsted framework awareness
What''s on Offer:
-55 per hour - highly competitive rate for experienced leaders
Flexible / hybrid working arrangements available
Supportive senior leadership and established team structure
Ongoing professional development and access to CPD
Opportunity to lead in a high-performing and progressive local authority
Randstad Care acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Randstad Care is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone.
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