Service Manager - Children in Care

About the Role

Peterborough City Council is looking for an experienced Service Manager to lead our Children in Care Service. This is a key leadership position where you will oversee the delivery of high-quality services for children and young people in care, ensuring they are safe, supported, and given the best opportunities to thrive.

You will provide strategic and operational leadership to a team of Team Managers, Social Workers, and Senior Practitioners, driving best practice and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. This role is ideal for a confident leader who can inspire teams, manage complex cases, and influence positive outcomes for children.

Responsibilities
Leadership & Management:
Provide professional guidance and supervision to managers and practitioners within the Children in Care service.
Quality Assurance:
Monitor performance, audit cases, and ensure care plans meet statutory requirements and reflect the child's voice.
Strategic Oversight:
Contribute to service development, improvement projects, and implementation of best practice standards.
Multi-Agency

Collaboration:

Work closely with fostering, adoption, health, education, and other partners to deliver holistic care.
Reporting:
Prepare reports for senior leadership and attend strategic meetings to inform decision-making.

Skills
Current Social Work England registration and a recognised social work qualification.
Extensive experience in children's social care, particularly with looked-after children.
Proven ability to lead teams, drive practice improvements, and manage complex cases.
Strong knowledge of childcare legislation, statutory guidance, and safeguarding frameworks.
Excellent communication, analytical, and decision-making skills.
Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and improving outcomes for children If you thrive to make a difference and have 3 years experience and this is the role for you, then we would love to hear from you