We are delighted to announce the continuation of the Social Workers in Schools project within Merton Children's Social Care! Following the success of the project over the past 4 years, Merton has committed to another academic year of social work support and intervention within 11 secondary schools across the borough. 

Due to some changes we are thrilled to advertise the SWIS Team Manager role. You will be joining a service where you will continue to work with the social workers, the schools as well as the wider partnership to build on the success of this project. Social workers in the team feel valued and supported, and we have many opportunities for creative and relational practice. Our schools where this project is based truly value our input and have excellent partnership with the social work team. You will have a fine balance of practicing autonomously as well as having an excellent peer support from a supportive, diverse, collaborative and dynamic leadership team including the Service Manager leading on the project.

The past 4 years have been used to create a good foundation of understanding about the ways social care and education partners work well together, alongside other key stakeholders, to meet the needs of children and families. This is a great opportunity for those who want to grow their leadership skills and who are passionate about developing new ways of working.

What we’re looking for in a Team Manager…

The role involves line management of 6 social workers based across 11 secondary schools undertaking early help and statutory interventions, and 1 DSL Supervising Social Worker who facilitates reflective supervision for Designated Safeguarding Leads and their teams across primary and secondary schools in the borough. We are looking for someone who:

• has experience of supervising, mentoring or coaching staff
• has experience of leading or supporting a project
• has completed their systemic social work and/or signs of safety training
• is skilled at providing reflective supervision to support social workers in effective interventions with children and families
• has practice wisdom in using our practice model and presenting the model to others
• can build strong relationships with teams and Merton’s professional network
• has knowledge of early help frameworks and the link between early help and education
• is committed to Merton
• is committed to developing themselves, their team and new ways of practicing
• adopts a solution-focused and contained approach to new situations, uncertainty and risk

We want our team to reflect the diversity of our borough, and would encourage applicants of all backgrounds and with a wide range of experiences to apply. 

The position will be based in the Family Support and Safeguarding service and managed by the FSS Service Manager. 

How will the practitioner move into the role?

We are seeking to recruit into the role by September 2024. If you already work in Merton, you will join the project via a secondment. For external candidates, whilst the project has only been extended to July 2025, the post is permanent within Children's Social Care and Youth Inclusion. As such, in the event that the project concludes at the end of the next academic year, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to remain in Merton and integrate into the wider service. 

If you have any questions, please contact the SWIS Team Manager Dhivya Yogarajah on 020 4605 4213, or SWIS Service Manager Kay Dove on 020 8545 3374 for further information.

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.