Service Manager Children in Care

Service Manager – Children in Care
Initial 3 -6‑month contract 
£400 per day umbrella
Yorkshire
Hybrid working

CVs are being reviewed immediately and interviews will be taking place week commencing this week.

If you’re driven by permanence, thrive in complex environments and are at your best when supporting others through challenge, this is a role that will genuinely stretch and reward you. Reporting directly into senior leadership, you will lead a critical service covering children aged 0–18, post‑final court order, with a strong emphasis on stability, reunification and family‑based care. You will be trusted to set direction, support your managers and create the conditions for great social work to happen.

As the Service Manager – Children in Care, you will hold responsibility for a high‑impact service at a pivotal time. This is an opportunity to make a visible difference quickly, shaping practice and supporting staff through demanding and often emotionally complex work. If you’re available soon, this role is moving fast and early applications are strongly encouraged.

Your Role as Service Manager – Children in Care:

• Leadership of Children in Care services covering ages 0–18, post‑final court order
• Driving permanence through reunification and family‑based care
• Supporting and developing managers and social workers through high‑pressure and emotionally challenging situations
• Quality assurance and performance oversight to ensure strong outcomes for children
• Embedding relationship‑based practice and a culture of reflective supervision

Your previous experience as Service Manager – Children in Care:

• Significant experience working with children in care, including post‑proceedings work
• Proven confidence supporting staff through difficult and stressful periods
• Strong understanding of permanence planning, reunification and alternative family‑based options
• Established leadership experience within a statutory children’s services setting
• Social Work qualification with current or recent local authority experience

This contract offers the chance to step into a well‑defined remit with clear priorities, supportive senior leadership and the scope to influence practice from day one. If you’re motivated by outcomes, people and permanence, this is a role where your impact will be felt quickly.

If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail, or know someone who may be suitable, please apply today or contact myself/David Midgley on 0117 313 7110.

(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation, so please do get in touch.)

Our clients are committed to creating a diverse workforce and do not discriminate. Recruiting decisions are based on experience and skills, and reasonable adjustments will be fully supported throughout the application and hiring process.

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