Locum Team Manager – Assessment Team

Locum Team Manager – Assessment Team
Location: Surrey
Rate: £45.00 – £47.50 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: Full-time, Locum (initial 3–6 months, with potential extension)
Start: ASAP

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About the Role

Surrey Children’s Services are seeking an experienced Locum Team Manager to lead a busy Assessment Team. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a high-performing, supportive service where the focus is on timely decision-making, proportional responses, and sustained outcomes for children and families.

As a Team Manager, you will oversee a team of qualified social workers carrying out statutory assessments under Section 17 and Section 47. You’ll provide clear leadership, effective risk management, and ensure practice is consistent, child-focused, and aligned with Surrey’s Family Safeguarding Model.

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Key Responsibilities

• Manage and support a team of social workers within the assessment service.

• Oversee case allocation, risk assessment and threshold decision-making.

• Ensure timely progression of cases with clear safety planning and step-down pathways.

• Drive quality practice through reflective supervision and oversight.

• Promote strong multi-agency working and relationship-based practice.

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About You

To be considered, you must have:

• A recognised social work qualification and current Social Work England registration

• Substantial experience within frontline child protection/assessment services

• Prior experience in a Team Manager or Assistant Team Manager role

• Strong understanding of thresholds, statutory responsibilities, and risk management

• The ability to lead, motivate and support social workers in a fast-paced environment

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Why Surrey?

• Competitive hourly rate (£45.00 – £47.50 umbrella)

• Flexible/hybrid working (standard 2 days in-office per week)

• Stable senior leadership and a well-embedded practice model

• Regular supervision and access to service-wide support

• A welcoming, committed team of professionals who value locum staff

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Apply Now

If you are an experienced leader in children’s social care and ready to bring your skills to a dynamic assessment team in Surrey, we want to hear from you.

For more information or to submit your CV, contact fthomas@sheldon-phillips.com or call 07595 414 227