Children Social Care – Team Manager
Job Description
About the Borough:
Sutton is a borough we are truly proud of, both as a council and as a community. Our strengths include high levels of resident satisfaction, quality services, and success in tackling financial challenges. We actively engage with residents on important issues and are supported by enthusiastic, dedicated staff.
Looking to the future, we have ambitious plans, including the development of new homes, schools, and the London Cancer Hub. Sutton is also a key player in the South London Partnership, a group of five outer south-west London boroughs focused on growth, regeneration, and investment. This demonstrates a forward-thinking authority committed to improving the borough. Our vision for the future is outlined in the Ambitious for Sutton corporate plan, which sets the direction for delivering impactful outcomes and services that enhance Sutton as a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Located in Zone 5, Sutton is just under 30 minutes from central London by train, with excellent public transport links to the rest of London and beyond. There are 10 train stations within the borough, providing direct services to major locations such as London Victoria, London Bridge, and St Pancras International, as well as connections to Epsom, Dorking, Guildford, and Horsham. Sutton also has easy access to the M25 and M23, offering excellent road links.
About the Service and Team:
The Locality Teams provide essential social work services to children and young people in the borough, particularly those on Section 17 or Section 47 plans under the Children Act 1989. We work in close partnership with key agencies, children, young people, and their families. Our service fosters a diverse, inclusive environment, ensuring manageable caseloads, regular supervision, and daily management support. We also offer abundant opportunities for learning and professional development, helping our Social Workers to thrive and progress. Our flexible approach to the working week supports a healthy work-life balance through a mix of home and office working.
Sutton partners with Kingston University and regional collaborators as part of the Developing Together Social Work Teaching Partnership (SWTP), offering a range of educational opportunities for staff at all stages of their careers. We encourage staff to engage in practice education and support the professional development of Social Work students and those in the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).
We also have a number of staff network groups, such as the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic +A Network, LGBTQ +A Network, and Women’s +A Network, which provide a platform for staff to contribute to positive change in the organisation.
About the Role and Our Ideal Candidate:
Join Sutton’s Children Social Care as a Team Manager and enjoy a generous Welcome and Retention Bonus:
£1000 paid in your first month
£1000 after your first year
£2000 after your second year
£3000 after your third year, and annually thereafter.
With a total package of up to £62,620 (including bonuses and benefits), this is an exciting opportunity to advance your social care career.
You will be responsible for managing a multidisciplinary team, providing leadership and oversight to Social Workers within the Child Protection, Child in Need, and Assessment and Referral services. Your focus will be on ensuring children are at the centre of all decision-making, and your duties will include:
Leading a team of 4 Social Workers and 1 Specialist Support Worker, overseeing case management and compliance with legal frameworks and practice standards.
Collaborating with partners, including health, education, and the voluntary sector, to develop joint plans supporting young people.
Ensuring your team has the knowledge and resources to perform their roles effectively.
Working closely with other teams and agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and families.
Your leadership will guide your team to adopt innovative approaches, manage workloads effectively, and meet deadlines. If you are an experienced social care professional with a passion for leadership and making a difference, we encourage you to apply.
This role is ideal for senior social workers, assistant managers, or team managers with strong leadership capabilities and knowledge of current social work legislation, including the Children’s Act 1989 and Working Together Guidance 2023.
Key Competencies:
A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Social Work, with preference for a Master’s degree.
Post-qualification practice experience, including strong leadership and managerial skills.
In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance, including the Children’s Act 1989.
Proven ability to collaborate with various stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
If you’re driven to make a real difference in the lives of children and families and thrive in a collaborative environment, we look forward to receiving your application.
For more information or an informal discussion, please contact Shelley Leo, Service Manager at shelley.leo@sutton.gov.uk or the Recruitment Team at recruitment@sutton.gov.uk.
Our Offer to You:
We are committed to your professional growth and will offer you a supportive, collaborative environment to develop your career. We value new ideas and are always striving to improve how we work, supporting you with an experienced management team.
We offer a modern, flexible working environment, supported by robust IT infrastructure. Our Flexible Working – Smarter Working Scheme helps staff maintain a healthy work-life balance by offering flexibility in where and how you work.
Additional benefits include:
Generous annual leave (plus bank holidays)
Flexi-time and public health service localised flexi-time scheme
Three volunteering days per year
Access to a comprehensive learning and development programme
Discounts for shopping, dining, and leisure
Interest-free season ticket loans
Local Government Pension Scheme
Car parking and bike loan schemes
Free eye tests and contributions toward glasses
Confidential wellbeing and counselling support
Subsidised gym membership
Application Process:
To apply, please submit your online application, detailing your skills, experience, and how you meet the criteria for the role. Please ensure you refer to the job profile when completing your application.
To support our diversity goals and reduce bias, we anonymise personal information during the shortlisting process. Hiring managers will evaluate applications based on the qualifications and criteria outlined in the job profile.
The closing date is provided as a guide. We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we receive sufficient applications, so we encourage you to apply early.
Additional Information:
At Sutton, we pride ourselves on being a diverse and inclusive borough. We aim to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidates, and disabled candidates, as these groups are currently underrepresented in our workforce. As part of our Disability Confident Committed status, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.
We also offer a range of family-friendly, inclusive policies and flexible working arrangements to support staff in balancing their personal and professional lives.
Please note: The UK’s points-based immigration system applies to EU and Non-EU workers. Check GOV.UK for guidance on right to work.
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