Why Southwark?
Do you see yourself leading a high-performing team that puts children's experiences, relationships and long-term outcomes at the centre of everything it does?
Can you use your experience of children in care, permanence planning and team leadership to drive high-quality practice and create lasting change for children and young people?
Does the idea of joining a forward-thinking local authority with a strong commitment to relationship-based, trauma-informed and anti-racist practice appeal to you?
If yes, we have the perfect role for you!
Our Care 0-16 Service is looking for a passionate and dedicated Team Manager to join our amazing team and help make a difference today.
What You'll Be Doing
As Team Manager, you will provide strong, visible leadership to a team of social workers and senior social workers supporting children in care aged 0-16. You will oversee high-quality care planning, permanence planning and safeguarding activity, ensuring children receive safe, stable and nurturing care experiences.
You will provide effective management oversight, reflective supervision and professional challenge, supporting practitioners to deliver relationship-based interventions that achieve positive outcomes for children and families. Working closely with partner agencies, carers and families, you will ensure plans progress without delay and that children's voices remain central to decision-making.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking an experienced children's social care leader who is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for children in care.
You will have:
- A recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
- Significant experience within statutory children's social care, including children in care services.
- Experience of leading, supervising and developing social work practitioners.
- Strong knowledge of care planning, permanence, safeguarding and statutory responsibilities.
- The ability to provide clear, analytical management oversight and make evidence-informed decisions.
- A commitment to anti-racist, anti-oppressive and relationship-based practice.
- Excellent communication, partnership working and leadership skills.
For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.
Contact Information:
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Nina Lehmann at nina.lehmann@southwark.gov.uk.
Additional Information
Fixed Term Contract (6 months temporary cover)
Part time, 3 days per week
Enhanced DBS check required
Benefits and more information:
https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/
Recruitment Timeline
Advert close date: 11:59pm on 13/11/2026
Shortlisting date: 17/11/2026
Interview date: 24/11/2026
Our Values and Behaviours:
At Southwark, our REACH values are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to being Resident-focused, Empowering, Accountable, Collaborative and Honest, in how we work with colleagues, residents, partners and communities. We welcome applications from people who share these values and are passionate about making a positive difference to our borough.
To learn more about our REACH values and behaviours, please visit: About Southwark – Southwark
The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
This vacancy is subject to the council's redeployment arrangements. Eligible redeployees will be considered first, and the vacancy may be withdrawn if a suitable redeployee is appointed.
We are an organisation that is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
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