About this role
Are you an experienced leader in children’s social care with a passion for improvement? Then we would love to hear from you and welcome your application!
The Operations Manager for Children in Care (CIC) is responsible for managing 3 teams of Social Workers who work solely with CIC and are accountable for all statutory duties in relation them. The Operations Manager is also responsible for the delivery of Family Time across the county which operates out of 3 centres: Dunbar Drive (Hailsham), Silverlands (Hastings) and Meeching (Newhaven).
This is an exciting opportunity to lead change, improve outcomes for children and families, and contribute to modernising the CIC service.
The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the appropriate delivery of services for children and families within a designated service area, in line with statutory requirements and County Council policies, procedures, and quality standards. They will be expected to achieve annual performance targets for the service unit, implementing plans effectively across the managed area. The role also includes managing the unit’s budget in accordance with the Departmental scheme of delegation, and leading performance management within the context of the Performance Assessment Framework, Performance Indicators, and agreed targets. Effective service delivery will be achieved through strong people management and full responsibility for the formal operation of the County Council’s policies and procedures, including all personnel-related matters.
We are looking for candidates who have:
- Recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with the professional regulatory body
- Management Qualification NVQ Level 4 or a commitment to gain an equivalent qualification
- Ability to identify local service needs and directing resources appropriately
- Ability to contribute to and implementing new service initiatives
- Staff supervision and management, team motivation and team building
To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.
Please download the Job Description & Person Specification for more information.
For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page.
Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.
Interviews will take place face to face on 6 March in Eastbourne at St Marys House.
We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
Please contact Sally Carnie - [email protected] should you wish to have an informal discussion about the role.
“When I first joined, I never expected to work for the council for over twelve years, but I’ve really loved working here and I’ve had some fantastic opportunities. I’ve had two periods of maternity leave during my time working here and I was really well supported both times. I never felt like I had to put my career on hold to have a family.” - Carla, Operations Manager
For a great work/life balance, choose East Sussex!
Other facts
About East Sussex County Council
East Sussex County Council is a local authority who deliver vital community services to over half a million people, residents, businesses and visitors in East Sussex.
As an employer we offer a diverse and rewarding range of career opportunities. If you came to work for East Sussex County Council, your chosen pathway could involve work that directly influences the education, social, mental, financial, and physical wellbeing of our residents and shapes the environment within which they live, or you might make your mark within one of the essential functions that supports the delivery of these services.
• Adult Social Care and Health – provide social care services for residents over 16, including residential care and sensory care services. It also has the public health remit.
• Governance Services – provides overall governance aspects of the council including legal and constitutional arrangements.
• Children’s Services – provide social care for people under 16, state education and other childcare services.
• Business Services – responsible for managing our finances, IT, human resources, procurement and property.
• Communities, Economy and Transport – responsible for community services such as libraries and registrars, customer access/services, roads, transport planning, economy and the East Sussex environment.
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What you'll do
- The Operations Manager is responsible for managing teams of Social Workers and ensuring the delivery of services for children in care in line with statutory requirements. They will also manage the unit's budget and lead performance management.
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