team manager - assessment & safeguarding.

Team Manager - Assessment & Safeguarding (Families First Reforms)

• Authority: Darlington Borough Council (Children's Services)
• Pay Rate: £36.61 per hour (Umbrella) | 37 Hours Per Week + TOIL
• Contract: Full-Time Locum Assignment
• Working Pattern: Blended / Hybrid Working (All remote IT equipment provided)

Darlington Borough Council is recruiting an additional Agency Team Manager to join their Assessment & Safeguarding (A&S) Service. Created specifically to address increased demand and support the rollout of national Families First Reforms, this role works alongside five established Team Managers to deliver robust risk management, reflective supervision, and innovative practice leadership.

About the Role & Service Area:

You will play a pivotal role in maintaining strong management oversight across statutory assessments and child protection plans, while actively mentoring Social Workers, ASYEs, and NQSWs. This position offers a unique balance of operational leadership, quality assurance, and strategic involvement in pilot programmes and Family Help service models.

Key Responsibilities:

• Management Oversight & Quality Assurance: Provide robust case oversight, risk management, and quality assurance to ensure timely, high-quality assessments and child-centred plans.
• Workforce Development & Supervision: Deliver consistent reflective supervision, coaching, joint visits, and group learning ("rethink" sessions) to support Social Workers, ASYEs, and NQSWs.
• Multi-Agency Leadership: Chair key multi-agency meetings, including strategy discussions and planning forums, while maintaining strong partner relationships.
• Service Transformation & Reform: Support the embedding of Families First reforms, Family Help models, and demand-management initiatives alongside senior leaders.
• Operational Leadership: Provide cover during service pressures, monitor performance and workload management, and ensure the voice of the child drives decision-making.

What We Are Looking For:

• Qualifications & SWE: Recognised Social Work qualification and active registration with Social Work England (SWE).
• Management Experience: Proven track record as a Team Manager or Advanced Practitioner within statutory Children's Assessment & Safeguarding services.
• Practice Leadership: Strong capability in reflective supervision, mentoring NQSWs/ASYEs, and conducting practice audits.
• Reform & Change Mindset: Ability to drive performance, support service improvement, and embed new multi-agency service models.

Why Apply?

• Competitive Package: £36.61 per hour for a 37-hour week, with TOIL available for additional hours worked.
• Modern Working Setup: Blended working model with all remote IT equipment fully provided.
• Collaborative Leadership: Work within an expanded, highly supportive leadership structure alongside 5 established Team Managers.

Apply Today

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