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An experienced and committed Children’s Team Manager is required to lead a specialist team supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people. This is an opportunity to provide strong, child-centred leadership while ensuring that children receive safe, effective and consistent support throughout their time in care and beyond.

You will manage, supervise and support a team of qualified social workers and support staff, promoting high standards of practice and professional development. Your responsibilities will include overseeing assessments, care planning, reviews, safeguarding activity and permanence planning, ensuring that statutory duties are met within required timescales. You will also monitor caseloads, quality-assure recording and decision-making, and provide professional advice on complex cases.

The role involves working closely with foster carers, residential providers, education, health, immigration services, legal representatives and other partner agencies. You will ensure that the views, identity, culture and individual needs of each child are understood and reflected in plans. You will also contribute to effective transitions into adulthood, including preparation for independence, education, employment and accommodation.

Applicants must hold a recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England. Significant post-qualifying experience in children’s social care is essential, together with experience of supervising or managing social work staff. Knowledge of safeguarding legislation, care planning requirements, corporate parenting responsibilities and the specific needs of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children is highly desirable.

You will be a confident and reflective leader with excellent communication, organisation and decision-making skills. The ability to manage competing priorities, respond calmly to risk and challenge practice constructively is essential. A commitment to anti-discriminatory practice, partnership working and achieving positive outcomes for children and young people is also required. An enhanced DBS check and satisfactory employment references will be required before appointment.