Locum Child Protection Service Manager

Service Manager – Children’s Social Care (London Borough of Lambeth Council)

Job Overview

We are recruiting a Service Manager to play a central leadership role within Children’s Social Care at the London Borough of Lambeth. This permanent position involves overseeing key service areas such as Children Looked After, 16+ Independence, Fostering & Permanency, or Quality Assurance. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} You will lead multiple teams and drive performance, quality, and strategy to ensure excellent outcomes for children, young people, and families. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Key Responsibilities

Lead one of Lambeth’s multi-agency Children’s Social Care services, such as Children Looked After, Assessment, Fostering, or Safeguarding. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} Manage day-to-day operational delivery, ensuring timely response to referrals and high-quality services. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} Ensure service delivery aligns with legislation, council policies, and departmental procedures. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} Advise senior leadership on strategy, policy, and improvements, and translate decisions into operational practice. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} Monitor performance targets, lead service improvement plans, and manage budgets effectively. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} Promote partnership working with Education, Housing, Health, Police, and third-sector organisations. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} Project manage key Children’s Social Care initiatives and forge joint arrangements with schools and agencies. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} Oversee communication within the service, develop staff through supervision, and implement quality assurance measures. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} Ensure workload tools support safe transfers and resource sharing across services. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

About You

You are a seasoned leader who values statutory excellence and child-centred social work within a multi-agency system. You guide and mentor frontline teams, promoting reflective, high-quality practice. You align practice with strategic vision and challenge team performance through supportive leadership.

Requirements

CQSW, DipSW, or equivalent social work/social care qualification with current HCPC or Social Work England registration. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11} Minimum of five years’ experience at Team Manager or Senior Social Worker level in Children’s Social Care. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12} In-depth understanding of statutory frameworks such as the Children Act, Working Together, and care planning legislation. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13} Demonstrated success in multi-agency collaboration, budget management, service improvement, and strategy implementation. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Contract & Salary

Permanent full-time role on London Borough of Lambeth Council’s middle management scale (Grade PO9). :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15} Located at Lambeth Civic Centre (Brixton), with modern facilities and hybrid working options. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16} Competitive salary range: approximately £66,669 rising to £71,058 including London Weighting. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17} Enhanced benefits: up to 35 days’ annual leave, cycle-to-work scheme, local pension scheme, and a Stonewall Diversity Champion. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

How to Apply

If you are an experienced service leader dedicated to delivering high-quality, statutory social work services for children and young people in Lambeth, we welcome your application. Please apply using the form on the page.