Team Manager - Next Steps / Care Experienced

Job Posted: 18 June 2025

• Contract Term: Permanent
• Location: Newport, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: Grade 13, £48,062.00 to £51,541.00 per annum + Market supplement
• Industries: Management & Executive Social Work

37 hours per week

Team Manager Next Steps team (Care experienced young people) making a difference for children we care for.

The role is based on the Isle of Wight with agile and flexible work practices. The office location is County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight.

About Us:

We are a dedicated and compassionate organization committed to providing safe, nurturing, and supportive homes for the children and young people we care for. Our mission is to ensure every child and young person is given the opportunity to thrive in a loving family setting.

Creating change together with our Children we Care For teams, our foster carers and adoptive families to ensure all children achieve their aspirations.

Job Description:

We are seeking a passionate, experienced and dynamic Team Manager to lead our Next Steps team, who support our care experienced young people to the age of 25. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of high-quality services to young people through a dedicated team of personal advisers. This role requires a strong leader with excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of children services and young people.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of personal advisers, providing supervision, support, and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Be an active member of the Corporate Parenting Board.
• Develop and build upon the offer for care experienced young people.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of the team to ensure high standards of practice.
• Work collaboratively with other agencies and professionals to promote the welfare of children and young people.
• Manage budgets and resources effectively to deliver cost-efficient services.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports as required.

Requirements:

• Degree in Social Work and registration with Social Work England or equivalent.
• Significant experience in children services.
• Proven leadership and management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation and best practices.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Relocation package available.

Isle of Wight Children's Service Social Care achieved a Good Ofsted rating in 2018, which was maintained in November 2023. 

For further information or an informal discussion please contact Mark Rodwell at [email protected] or by calling on 01983 821000. 

Join #TeamIWC and you'll receive our staff benefits package, including:

• Annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a PLUS public holidays!
• Local Government pension scheme
• Discounted Solent ferry travel
• Island bus network discount
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff parking permit scheme
• Discounted island sports & leisure gym membership
• National and local discounts & benefits schemes
• Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 may be available for some roles (subject to criteria)
• Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland (subject to criteria)

Find out more about working for the Isle of Wight Council and living on the Island.

The Isle of Wight Council currently does not have a license to sponsor overseas workers.

We actively promote the diversity of our workforce, and provide flexible working options (where appropriate) to support the different needs of our employees. We are an equal opportunities employer, proud to encourage applications from all cultures, backgrounds and abilities to better reflect the diversity within our local community.

We are a Disability Confident employer. Along with a number of commitments, this means, providing you meet the basic essential requirements of the advertised role and have declared yourself as disabled, you will be offered an opportunity for an interview within the council.

The Isle of Wight Council protects its employees from discrimination, and this is supported by;

unacceptable behaviour policy

employee code of conduct

our values, culture and inclusivity

The Isle of Wight Council’s Terms & Conditions of employment are available upon request. Please contact our recruitment team via [email protected] if you would like to receive a copy.

The Isle of Wight Council reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than stated, if required. To ensure your application is considered, it is recommended to submit your application promptly.

This council and its schools recruit according to the council’s Recruitment, Policy and Procedure and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.

For support completing your online application or for further information on how to apply, phone 01983 823134 or email [email protected]  Only applications submitted online by the closing date will be accepted.

We often receive a high volume of applicants for our vacancies. If you do not hear from the recruiting manager within three weeks of the closing date, we regret that your application will not have been successful on this occasion. Please revisit our job page for alternate posts that may be suitable.