Locum Safeguarding Team Manager

Team Manager (Children’s Services – Child in Need Team)

Location:

 
North Tyneside Council  

Brief Job Overview

 
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Team Manager to join North Tyneside Council’s Child in Need Team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead, guide, and develop a dedicated group of social work professionals, including newly qualified social workers completing their ASYE (Assessed and Supported Year in Employment).  

As a key member of the management team, you will play a vital role in ensuring that children, young people, and families receive timely, high-quality support and intervention. You will lead your team to deliver evidence-based, child-centred practice that promotes safety, stability, and positive outcomes.  

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision, and direction to the Child in Need team, ensuring high standards of social work practice.
• Support and mentor ASYE social workers, providing guidance, reflective supervision, and professional development opportunities.
• Oversee the delivery of effective, timely assessments and plans that meet the needs of children and families.
• Ensure casework quality, compliance, and performance standards are consistently achieved across the team.
• Promote a strengths-based, child-focused approach to practice, in line with North Tyneside’s values and priorities.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies to ensure coordinated and effective support for families.
• Manage and allocate caseloads effectively, ensuring resources are used efficiently and appropriately.
• Chair key meetings and contribute to decision-making processes to safeguard and support children at risk.
• Lead on staff development, identifying training needs and supporting professional growth within the team.

About You

 
You are an experienced and confident leader with a passion for developing others and improving outcomes for children. You bring strong interpersonal and organisational skills, alongside a reflective and supportive leadership style.  

You’ll have a solid understanding of child protection, safeguarding, and early intervention, and be confident in supporting practitioners of varying levels of experience. You take pride in creating a positive team culture where learning, reflection, and professional growth are central to everyday practice.  

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker with registration through Social Work England.
• Extensive post-qualifying experience within Children’s Social Care, ideally within Child in Need or Safeguarding teams.
• Proven management or supervisory experience, including supporting ASYE practitioners.
• Comprehensive understanding of legislation, policy, and best practice in children’s social work.
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and organisational skills.
• Commitment to reflective supervision and promoting professional learning.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum / Fixed-term
• Location: North Tyneside Council
• Service Area: Children’s Services – Child in Need Team
• Contract Length: 3 months (with potential for extension)
• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Working Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
• Working Pattern: Hybrid – on-site and remote working as required

About the Service

 
North Tyneside Council’s Child in Need Team delivers early and targeted support to children and families, helping to build resilience and prevent escalation to higher levels of intervention. The service works collaboratively with partners to provide a holistic, relationship-based approach to social work, grounded in reflection, compassion, and accountability.  

As a Team Manager, you will be instrumental in maintaining high standards, supporting ASYEs in their professional journey, and ensuring families receive the right help at the right time.  

How to Apply

 
If you are an experienced social work leader with the skills to inspire and support a growing team — and a passion for developing new practitioners — we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.