Main Purpose of the Role Group Manager

Lewisham is at the forefront of children's social care reform as a Families First for Children Pathfinder authority. We are seeking an experienced and resilient Group Manager to provide leadership within the Family Help Service during a period of transformation. The post holder will lead a portfolio comprising two Family Help Teams, the Children with Disabilities Team and the Occupational Therapy Team, all of which sit within the Family Help Service. They will provide operational oversight, strategic leadership, performance management and practice improvement to ensure positive outcomes for children and families.

Main Responsibilities and Accountabilities Group Manager

• Provide leadership and management across two Family Help Teams, the Children with Disabilities Team and the Occupational Therapy Team.
• Supervise, support and develop Team Managers and operational leads.
• Ensure effective oversight of Child and Family Assessments, Children in Need, Child Protection, Pre-Proceedings and Care Proceedings.
• Provide strategic leadership for Children with Disabilities provision within the Family Help Service.
• Drive service performance, quality assurance and continuous improvement.
• Ensure effective risk management, timely decision-making and statutory compliance.
• Promote relationship-based, strengths-based and restorative practice.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with health, education, housing, legal services and other key stakeholders.
• Contribute to the implementation of Families First reforms and wider service transformation.

About You Group Manager

We are looking for an experienced children's social care leader who can demonstrate the following:

Essential Group Manager

• Significant management experience within statutory children's social care.
• Strong safeguarding expertise across Children in Need, Child Protection, Pre-Proceedings and Care Proceedings.
• Experience of managing Team Managers and leading high-performing teams.
• Strong knowledge of children's social care legislation and statutory guidance.
• Experience of performance management, quality assurance and service improvement.
• Knowledge and understanding of legislation, practice and pathways relating to children with disabilities.
• Experience of working with children with disabilities and their families.
• Ability to provide strategic leadership for Children with Disabilities provision within the Family Help Service.