Service Manager (Safeguarding) - 37 Hours

Application Deadline: 29 August 2025

Department: Childrens Services

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Torbay Council

Reporting To: Head of Service

Compensation: £55,764 - £59,584 / year

Description

Job Description & Person Specification >

We are currently recruiting a Service Manager in the statutory service within Children's Service; at this time, the service is called Decisive Multi-Agency Child Protection System, however it is in the process of being renamed in consultation with our workforce. In this role, you will take the lead in developing the service towards its goal of being a restorative service where children and young people are not only placed at the centre of all we do but are also supported to take the lead in their own care planning and determining their futures and realising their aspirations. The vision for the service is clear, aspirational, and progressive. The Service Manager’s job will be to translate this into robust direction of operational practice.

The Decisive Multi-Agency Child Protection System is organised into two parts: Assessment and Intervention; Care Proceedings, Cared For, Care Experienced and Fostering. We are looking for a Service Manager to oversee the Care Proceedings, Cared For, Care Experienced and Fostering teams.
You will maintain close management oversight of the practice within the service by providing solid supervision within a high challenge, high support culture.

Practice improvement and performance management is also a key responsibility within this role along with supporting the Head of Service with effecting change and creating a culture that fits with the service’s aspirations, characterised by the key principles of restorative practice and continuous learning and development.

You will need to be a strong leader who can demonstrate a passion for the creation of a highly aspirational service that has the potential to be a model of excellence through innovation and collaboration. You will have extensive knowledge and experience in progressing plans of permanence for children which empower them to achieve the very best outcomes. You will have the relevant knowledge of legislation, policy and best practice, and be able to demonstrate how you translate this into practice and influence good practice across complex systems.

This is a demanding but rewarding role that provides the ideal candidate with a supportive step into senior management. You will be expected to work with an array of partners, both internally and externally, and be an integral and proactive member of the service management team as well as the Children’s Services Leadership Team.

The successful candidate must have a social work qualification and extensive experience within the children’s safeguarding arena. You must have management and supervisory experience and be educated to degree level. You must be able to work calmly under pressure and provide support to your teams, the wider service and partners to ensure every child or young person that comes into contact with the service is provided with the right plan and support to meet their needs.

This post meets the requirements for an Enhanced Criminal Record Check. This will show spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions which have not been filtered in line with legislation, plus any information held by local Police that is considered relevant to the role.

If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser:
https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/service-manager-safeguarding/

For an informal chat please contact Kelly Gosney on 01803 208520 or kelly.gosney@torbay.gov.uk.

Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 1st September 2025.

Our adverts do sometimes close early - even where there's a published deadline - so if you're keen, please apply as soon as possible.

Skills

Essential:

Enhanced IT Skills across a multitude of difference platforms including case management recording systems.
Significant decision-making skills – the ability to analyse information, draw conclusions and effect judgements based on outcomes and risk.
Proven problem-solving skills – the ability to identify causes, make objective and informed judgements that demonstrates emotional resilience and balance.
Ability to appraise and motivate staff in a way that ensures compliance with policies but also enables individuals to develop. Including the effective use of performance management in enabling staff development and ensure service delivery is achieved.
Proven skills in delivering key performance requirements linked to statutory delivery for a Children’s social care setting.

This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

Knowledge

Essential:

Thorough understanding of current legislation and DfE guidance and developments in services to children young people and families.
Thorough understanding of the professional practice relating to safeguarding and working with complex families including the role of the TSCP and Working Together 2023.
Knowledge and understanding of the full range of activities delivered by the Authority and partners in relation to children, young people and families.
Ability to demonstrate awareness and understanding of equal opportunities.
Awareness of effective management practices including use of effective supervision and performance management.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

Social Work Degree.
Evidence continued professional development.
Current Registration with Social Work England.
Significant experience working with children and families in the context of current legislation and government initiatives.
Experience delivering positive outcomes for children and young people.

Skills

Knowledge

Experience & Qualifications

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