Assistant Team Manager

Job Purpose

The Assistant Team Manager (ATM) supports the Team Manager in delivering high-quality social work services to children, young people, and families. The post holder will provide professional supervision, quality assurance, and operational oversight to ensure effective safeguarding, timely interventions, and positive outcomes. They will act as a senior practitioner with management responsibilities, modelling best practice and contributing to a culture of learning, continuous improvement, and collaborative working.

• Support the Team Manager in the day-to-day management of the team, ensuring effective allocation of work, caseload oversight, and adherence to statutory responsibilities.

• Provide reflective and practice-focused supervision to social workers and support staff in line with organisational policy.

• Assist with performance monitoring, including KPIs, audits, case reviews, and preparation for inspections (e.g., Ofsted).

• Contribute to workforce development, including mentoring newly qualified social workers (ASYE), students, and practitioners.

• Support business continuity and deputise for the Team Manager when required.

• Ensure all practice meets legislative and regulatory frameworks such as the Children Act 1989/2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and local safeguarding procedures.

• Promote high-quality assessments, care planning, direct work, and decision-making.

• Chair multi-agency meetings where appropriate (e.g., CIN, TAC, professionals meetings).

• Provide management oversight on cases, ensuring timely progression, risk assessment, and appropriate escalation or de-escalation.

• Support continuous quality assurance by undertaking audits, observing practice, and embedding reflective learning.

• Build strong working relationships with other agencies including education, health, police, and voluntary sector partners.

• Promote collaborative, strengths-based, and restorative approaches with families and professionals.

• Represent the service at internal and external meetings as delegated by the Team Manager.

• Contribute to implementing service improvement plans, policy changes, and new practice frameworks.

• Support innovation and the development of evidence-based approaches to working with children and families.

• Participate in and lead project work, pilots, and service reviews.

• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery.

• Maintain HCPC/Social Work England registration and ensure compliance with professional standards.

• Model ethical, child-centred, and trauma-informed practice.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, research, and best practice.

• Support a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous professional development.

• Qualified Social Worker (DipSW, BA, MA, or equivalent).

• Social Work England (SWE) registration is essential.

• Evidence of continuous professional development; management or leadership qualification desirable.

• Significant post-qualifying experience in children's social care, including safeguarding, child protection, and/or statutory assessments.

• Experience supervising staff or students, or providing practice leadership.

• Experience managing complex cases and making sound, defensible decisions under pressure.

• Experience working within multi-agency settings.

• Strong understanding of child development, risk assessment, and safeguarding thresholds.

• Knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and local procedures.

• Awareness of systemic, strengths-based, and trauma-informed practice models.

• Understanding of performance management and quality assurance principles.

• Ability to provide confident, reflective, and supportive supervision.

• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to challenge and influence others.

• Strong organisational and time-management skills.

• Skilled in analysis, decision-making, and prioritisation in fast-paced environments.

• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and professionals.

• Emotional resilience and the ability to manage sensitive or high-risk situations.