Team Manager – 16+ Care Leavers Service

Job Advert: Social Work Team Manager – Leaving Care Team (16+)
Location: Medway Council
Salary: Up to £59,959 + £3,000 annual retention payment after 1 years’ service

Are you a passionate and experienced social worker with a strong background in working with vulnerable young people? Medway Council is looking for an exceptional Team Manager to lead our Leaving Care Team, supporting young adults (16+) as they transition out of the care system into independent living.

About the Role

As the Team Manager for the Leaving Care Team, you will lead a dedicated team of social workers and personal advisors to deliver high-quality support to young adults leaving care. Your team will play a vital role in developing and implementing Pathway Plans tailored to each young person’s needs, ensuring they achieve positive outcomes and transition successfully into adulthood.

You will collaborate closely with Medway's multi-agency partners, aligning your work with the Medway Safeguarding Children's Partnership’s strategies and the council's commitment to ensuring that care leavers are safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership: Provide dynamic leadership to the Leaving Care Team, inspiring best practice and maintaining high standards of care and support.
• Pathway Plans: Oversee the development, implementation, and review of comprehensive Pathway Plans for care leavers, ensuring they address education, employment, housing, health, and emotional well-being.
• Safeguarding: Champion Medway’s safeguarding strategies, ensuring all young people are protected and supported in line with statutory requirements.
• Transition Support: Facilitate smooth transitions for young people, offering guidance on independent living, financial literacy, and access to further education or employment.
• Partnership Working: Build and maintain strong relationships with multi-agency partners, including housing services, education providers, and healthcare professionals, to create holistic support networks.
• Performance Management: Monitor and evaluate team performance, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures, including the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000.

About You

• Qualified Social Worker: HCPC/Social Work England registration is essential.
• Leadership Experience: Proven experience in managing or supervising a social work team, ideally within a leaving care, looked after children, or safeguarding context.
• Knowledgeable: A strong understanding of the challenges faced by care leavers, relevant legislation, and Medway’s safeguarding priorities.
• Excellent Communicator: Able to work collaboratively with multi-agency partners, care leavers, and colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• Organised and Resilient: Able to manage competing priorities effectively while maintaining a child-centred approach.