Team Manager

Team Manager – CLA 16+ UASC AND LEAVING CARE Lewisham Council invites applications for the Team Manager – CLA 16+ UASC AND LEAVING CARE role. About the Role We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Team Manager to lead one of our CLA (16+), UASC and Leaving Care teams. The role offers the opportunity to shape and develop a team at the centre of delivering essential support to Children Looked After, Care Leavers and Care‑experienced young adults. The team is based within the Corporate Parenting Service and works closely with other CLA teams, independent reviewing officers, specialist services and external agencies to provide an accountable statutory social work service to children, young people and their families/carers, and a statutory leaving care service. You will oversee a team of Social Workers and Personal Advisors delivering direct support, in collaboration with key agencies, to address needs and prepare young people for independence. Scope of Responsibilities Key member of leadership team and contribute to service development. Take a curious and holistic approach to supporting children and young people, keeping them safe and well. Manage a team of practitioners responsible for direct work and other activities with children, their carers and young people. Support statutory social work teams and young person advisors in undertaking appropriate interventions that enable us to deliver against Corporate Parenting and other strategies. Lead the team in delivering care plans, case/pathway planning and review, ensuring high standards of practice. About You We are looking for someone with experience of working with Children Looked After, Unaccompanied Asylum‑Seeking Children, Care Leavers and Care‑experienced young people. You should be confident in leading a team and contributing to the wider Children and Young People agenda. In‑depth knowledge of all aspects of practice related to these areas and the ability to support others to be curious about the complex issues faced by Lewisham’s children and young people is essential. You will have experience in: A strong background in safeguarding and statutory social work, including knowledge of current childcare legislation and practice. Expertise in understanding work to support unaccompanied minors and asylum seekers. Supervision and line management of staff, including proven leadership skills and experience in supervising diverse teams. Confidence in taking a curious and trauma‑informed approach to work with children and young people. Commitment to promoting best outcomes for children and young people. Benefits Generous leave entitlement Local Government Pension scheme Flexible working and family‑friendly policies Season ticket and bicycle loans A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships Supportive staff networks Location The job is based at 43–45 Bromley Road, Catford SE6. It is within close proximity to local train stations and offers a hybrid approach with a mix of office and home working. Your Application The recruitment process is anonymous and we do not accept CVs. Please read the guidance in the applicant handbook and ensure you fully complete the application, covering how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed. Special conditions: The post holder must have a social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. The job is subject to a DBS check (Basic/Enhanced). For an informal discussion about this job, please contact sharon.chambers@lewisham.gov.uk. Salary £60,633 to £62,742 per annum (SCP 45‑47). All appointments will be offered at the minimum SCP for the grade of the role. Exceptions may be made to match current salary up to the maximum of the scale, subject to evidential proof. Creating an Inclusive Lewisham Lewisham Council values diversity and offers equal opportunities. We are a Disability Confident employer. We welcome job applications of all abilities and will provide reasonable adjustments for applicants with health conditions. For more details, visit www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply. Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Other Industries Government Administration #J-18808-Ljbffr