Locum Safeguarding ATM/DTM (Assistant Team Manager / Deputy Team Manager)

Children’s Services Team Manager – Children with Disabilities (CWD)

Brief Job Overview

 
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Children’s Services Team Manager to lead the Children with Disabilities (CWD) Team at the London Borough of Lambeth. This locum position will focus on leading a committed team of social workers to deliver high-quality services that safeguard and promote the welfare of children with disabilities and their families. Over the next 3–6 months, you will be responsible for ensuring effective case management, professional supervision, and continuous improvement in service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and support a team of six social workers, overseeing their caseloads and ensuring timely and effective case progression.
• Promote and maintain high standards of case recording and quality assure practice through regular supervision and performance reviews.
• Provide reflective supervision, professional guidance, and ongoing support to ensure staff development and best practice in line with council policy.
• Mentor and coach team members to strengthen professional competence and quality of service delivery.
• Attend and contribute to key meetings to support care planning and decision-making in the best interests of children, including:
   
     
  • Childcare reviews and Child Protection conferences
       

  • Legal planning and tracking meetings
       

  • Resource and complex needs panels (including joint funding cases)
       

  • Court hearings, adoption, placement, and NEET tracking reviews
       

  • Placement stability and semi-independent placement tracking
     
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to implement evidence-based practice, improving standards and service outcomes.
• Lead on the quality assurance of key reports and documentation, including:
   
     
  • Child Permanence Reports (CPRs) and Looked After Children (LAC) review reports
       

  • Statutory visit records, court reports, and care plans
       

  • Parenting and viability assessments, pathway plans, and Personal Education Plans (PEPs)
       

  • Monthly supervision audits and related documentation
     
• Liaise with the Service Manager and Assistant Director regarding complex or high-profile cases, unallocated work, and team performance issues.
• Attend Scrutiny Panels to report on team performance and contribute to strategic discussions to improve service quality and outcomes.
• Lead, motivate, and nurture your team to deliver effective, child-focused interventions and achieve positive outcomes for children and families.

About You

 
You are an experienced and confident leader with a proven track record in managing children’s social work teams, ideally within a Children with Disabilities (CWD) service. You demonstrate excellent organisational, supervisory, and communication skills and have the ability to balance operational demands with a focus on quality and outcomes. Your leadership inspires confidence, promotes accountability, and fosters a culture of professional growth and resilience.

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Extensive post-qualified experience in children’s social care, with recent management or senior leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of the Children Act 1989, the Care Act 2014, and statutory guidance relating to children with disabilities.
• Experience managing complex cases and supervising staff in a local authority setting.
• Proven ability to analyse performance data and implement service improvements.
• Excellent communication, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead multi-agency collaboration and deliver high-quality outcomes under pressure.

Contract & Salary

• Job Type: Locum
• Location: London Borough of Lambeth
• Team: Children with Disabilities (CWD)
• Contract Length: 3–6 months
• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Working Hours: Full-time
• Working Pattern: Hybrid – office and remote working

How to Apply

 
If you are an experienced Social Work Manager with a passion for leading high-performing teams and improving outcomes for children with disabilities, we’d love to hear from you.  
Please apply using the form on the page.