Location: Bedford (Hybrid – 3 Days Office / 2 Days Remote)
Rate: £44.17 per hour
Contract: Full-Time Locum
Start Date: ASAP
SW Locums is recruiting an experienced Team Manager to join the Children's Assessment Team at Bedford Borough Council. This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished manager looking to make an immediate impact while leading a dedicated team within a supportive local authority.
This full-time locum position offers a competitive hourly rate of £44.17 and a flexible hybrid working arrangement, allowing you to work 3 days in the office and 2 days remotely.
The Role
As Team Manager, you will lead a team of 5 Social Workers within the Children's Assessment Team. A key focus of this assignment will be supporting the service in reducing children's caseloads, ensuring timely assessments, maintaining high practice standards, and driving positive outcomes for children and families.
You will provide strong leadership, professional supervision, performance management, and quality assurance while promoting a positive and collaborative team culture.
Key Responsibilities
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Manage and support a team of 5 Social Workers.
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Lead practice within the Children's Assessment Team.
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Drive performance and contribute to reducing children's caseloads.
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Provide reflective supervision, guidance, and professional development.
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Ensure assessments are completed to a high standard and within statutory timescales.
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Maintain quality assurance and support continuous service improvement.
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Work collaboratively with partner agencies to safeguard children and improve outcomes.
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Support the implementation of best practice across the service.
Requirements
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Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
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Significant management experience within Children's Social Care.
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Previous experience managing frontline Children's Assessment or similar statutory teams.
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Strong leadership, decision-making, and performance management skills.
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Excellent knowledge of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and children's social care practice.
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Ability to start at short notice.
Working Arrangements
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Hybrid working: 3 days per week in the office, 2 days working remotely.
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A car is not essential for day-to-day duties, although occasional travel within the local area may be required.
Why Bedford Borough Council?
Bedford Borough Council is recognised for its commitment to improving outcomes for children and families while fostering a supportive working environment for social care professionals. The authority continues to invest in its workforce, encourages collaborative practice, and promotes innovation to deliver high-quality services across the borough.
Why Choose SW Locums?
SW Locums has built a strong reputation for connecting experienced social work professionals with some of the UK's leading local authorities. We pride ourselves on providing a personal, professional recruitment service, competitive rates, prompt weekly payroll, and ongoing support throughout every assignment. Our experienced consultants understand the social work sector and are committed to helping you secure the right opportunity for your skills and career goals.
If you are a confident and experienced Children's Team Manager looking for your next rewarding locum opportunity, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today for an immediate start
Salary description
£44.17 - £44.17 per hour