The Role

9 months fixed term

We have an opportunity to recruit a Service Manager to join our Social Work West Locality team in Wandsworth.

The team consists of two ALMs, four Senior Social Workers, 17 Social Workers and 3 Social Care Assessors who provide a holistic, personalised, strength-based service to residents over the age of 18 who have physical disabilities and older people with physical and mental health disabilities.

Key aspects of the role include:

• Providing professional, strategic, operational and motivational leadership of staff.
• Ensuring the team carries out its statutory functions under the Care Act 2014; including safeguarding adults at risk, prevention, information and advice, timely assessment, eligibility decision-making, care and support planning and review. To also ensure provision of specialist assessments where needed, such as Occupational Therapy, Sensory, Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty and Human Rights Act.
• Ensuring that all statutory responsibilities are met, that the service works within legal and policy frameworks and professional standards.

What we are looking for:

• An inspiring leader with a “can do” attitude to help us progress our Transforming Social Care Programme
• Energy and commitment to drive performance and high practice standards
• Ability to manage and motivate staff and offer reflective supervision
• Ability to manage budgets and expenditure on services
• Experience of managing risk and supporting others to undertake complex casework
• Ability to manage and report on performance
• Experience of working in a strengths-based way and promoting independence
• Creative and innovative approach to deliver the best for residents and support staff
• Ability to develop and support a team culture and identity.

To apply please upload your CV and complete a supporting statement detailing how you meet the requirements of the role.

For an informal discussion regarding the role please contact Edna Porter, Head of Community Services, on 020 8871 6243  or  e.porter@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if there is a flexible working option you would like to explore. We also offer a generous holiday allowance of 39 paid days (pro rata) including bank holidays and a wide range of learning and development opportunities.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts with many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date:  25 September 2022

Shortlisting Date: w/c 26 September 2022

Interview Date: w/c 3 October 2022       

Useful Information:

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please note that the advertised dates for interviews may change due to the current Covid-19 situation. If they do, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Your health and wellbeing is our top priority. Should you become unwell due to Covid-19 during the recruitment process we would very much appreciate receiving an update from you as soon as possible.

We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils