Join us in making childhoods safer, stronger and full of possibility
St Helens Borough Council
In St Helens, children are at the heart of everything we do.
Not as a statementbut as a daily commitment in how we listen, respond and act.
Situated in the North West, close to Liverpool, Manchester and Lancashire, we are a Council on a journeyambitious for our children, proud of our communities and deeply invested in the people who work here. Our progress comes from our workforce: skilled, cared for, and given the space to do what matters mostbuild meaningful relationships with children and families.
Make a difference where it matters most become a Team Manager
Following our last Ofsted ‘Good’ judgement, we are continuing to strengthen and grow. We are looking for a Team Manager in our Family Help and Protection Service who shares our belief that every child deserves safety, stability and the chance to thrive.
This is more than a management role.
It is an opportunity to lead a team that walks alongside families during some of their most challenging momentsand helps change outcomes for children.
About the service and team
Our Family Help and Protection Service works with children who need us mostthose subject to child in need plans, child protection plans and care proceedings. Once assessment is complete, your team supports children and families to make and sustain meaningful change.
You will lead a stable, experienced team including:
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1 Assistant Team Manager
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6 Social Workers
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1 Social Work Assistant
This is a well-established team with strong foundations, and you will benefit from a comprehensive handover and ongoing peer support. You’ll also be part of a wider, collaborative management group of 14 Managers who work closely togethersharing thinking, challenge and support.
What kind of leader we’re looking for
We are looking for someone who:
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Keeps children’s voices, lived experiences and outcomes at the centre of every decision
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Leads with empathy, curiosity and reflective practice
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Creates a culture where social workers feel safe, supported and inspired to do their best work
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Is committed to practice excellence and continuous improvement
You will be supported to focus on quality over process, enabling social workers to build strong, purposeful relationships with families.
What you’ll need
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A recognised Social Work qualification
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Registration with Social Work England
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At least 3 years post-qualifying experience, including 2 years working with children and families
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Experience of supervision and supporting professional development
Why join St Helens?
Because here, you won’t just manage servicesyou will shape children’s futures.
We offer:
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A strong culture of supportive supervision and visible leadership
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Opportunities to influence practice development and service improvement
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Continuous professional development and career progression pathways
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A hybrid working model that supports balance, connection and reflection
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A workforce that values kindness, collaboration and shared purpose
Our journey
We are proud to be a ‘Good’ authority, but we are not standing still. Our ambition is clear: to become Outstanding, not just in inspection termsbut in the real experiences of children and families. And we know the only way to get there is through people like you.
If you’re ready to lead with purpose, champion children, and be part of something meaningfulwe’d love to hear from you.
Find out More You can review the full job description and person specification information here.
St Helens is a great place to work so why not visit our Children’s Services web page https://socialcarerecruitment.sthelens.gov.uk/ to see what our colleagues have to say and discover our full range of in work benefits.
You can also contact us for a chat before applying or to submit your CV in the first instance. You can do this by emailing us at [email protected]
Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a sufficient number of applications and encourage you to apply early, to avoid disappointment.
This post is subject Enhanced DBS Disclosure.
Previous applicants need not apply
