Date: 9 Jul 2026
Location: Shepton Mallet, GB, BA4 5BT
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Company: Somerset Council
Closing date: 23 July 2026
Salary: £54,282 per annum including a £5,000 recruitment allowance which expires 30.06.2027.
Role summary
As a Service Manager – Social Work in Somerset, you will lead high-quality, child-centred services, drive performance and delivering key council priorities for our Children Looked After. You’ll provide strategic direction, ensure statutory compliance, and support transformation across the organisation. Working with senior leaders, Members and partners, you’ll ensure services are effective, efficient and continuously improving to achieve the best outcomes for children and families.
What you’ll do - key responsibilities
You’ll lead a high‑quality service that makes a real difference to children, young people and families across Somerset, with your focus being on supporting positive outcomes for our Children Looked After. Setting clear priorities and direction, you’ll drive service plans forward and use insight, feedback and data to continuously improve outcomes and the experience of those who rely on us. We always aim to support our children to do their absolute best and have high aspirations.
You’ll inspire and support a dedicated team, creating a positive, high-performing environment where people feel valued, challenged and motivated to deliver their best. Through strong leadership and practical oversight, you’ll ensure excellent practice, manage complex cases and resolve challenges with confidence. You will work closely alongside another team manager, with wider support from an enthusiastic, supportive and experienced management team. The Social Work team is passionate about caring for our children, fun, committed and supportive of one another. Their recent internal team diagnostic evidenced an outstanding team culture, and good quality practice across the board.
Working alongside partners and senior leaders, you’ll build strong relationships across agencies to deliver joined-up, effective support. You’ll also take ownership of resources and budgets, ensuring services are delivered efficiently, sustainably and to the highest standards.
This is a role where your leadership will directly shape services, improve lives and help achieve the best possible outcomes for children and families.
What we’re looking for – knowledge, experience & skills
Experience managing teams within children’s social care, including supervision, performance and workforce development with understanding of performance management and quality assurance frameworks and how to implement them
Relevant degree in Social Work and registration with Social Work England
Knowledge of the challenges and experiences of children in care
Ability to lead and manage change effectively
Professional, positive, adaptable and confident approach
Experience of partnership working, including influencing and leading multi-agency initiatives
Ability to work to deadlines and motivate others to deliver high standards
Commitment to diversity and inclusive practice
Innovative and creative approach to service improvement
Strong customer and community focus
High level of personal integrity and professionalism
Self-motivated with a proactive, “can do” attitude
Strong analytical and decision-making skills in complex situations
Strong knowledge of statutory, policy and strategic commissioning frameworks within local government
Additional Information
Permanent, 37 hours a week, based in Shepton Mallet
You must be a qualified, registered and an experienced Social Worker to apply for this position.
Hybrid working
33 day’s annual leave (additional to bank holidays)
Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Annabelle Sargeant via email
[email protected]
Job reference number 1107/HC
