Team Leader - Children and Justice Services

As Locum Team Leader, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of a Social Work team. You will provide leadership, supervision and direction, ensure effective workload management, promote high standards of practice and contribute to service development and improvement. The role includes chairing reviews of Community Payback Orders, managing staff performance and working closely with partner agencies to support public protection and positive outcomes for service users.
Key ResponsibilitiesLine management and supervision of qualified social workers and para-professional staffAllocation and oversight of work, ensuring effective caseload and workload managementChairing reviews of Community Payback Orders imposed by the CourtsLeading and contributing to multi-agency meetings, including child and adult protection where requiredMonitoring quality, performance and compliance with national and local standardsSupporting service improvement, development and best practiceEnsuring council policies, procedures and professional standards are consistently applied

Essential RequirementsSocial Work qualification (DipSW, CQSW, BA or equivalent)SSSC registrationSignificant post-qualifying experience within Justice Social WorkProven experience of team management or leadership in a statutory social work settingStrong knowledge of risk assessment and managementExcellent communication, organisational and decision-making skillsAbility to work autonomously and manage competing priorities in a demanding environment
DesirableExperience specifically within Unpaid Work ServicesExperience chairing multi-agency meetingsFamiliarity with tools such as LSCMI and other justice-related assessment frameworksExperience contributing to service development and improvement initiatives

Assignment DetailsLocation: Auchentibber Resource Centre, BlantyreDuration: Approx. 9 months (maternity cover)Start Date: December 2025 (or as soon as possible)Working Pattern: Full-time, Monday to Friday (including one late evening)Pay Rate: Negotiable depending on experience