Knowsley Council is an award-winning Local Authority, named Local Authority of the Year in the Municipal Journal Awards 2024.  

​We are an Accredited employer under the Liverpool City Region Fair Employment Charter, demonstrating that we are committed to the principle of fair employment and we are dedicated to providing a healthy, fair, inclusive and just workplace. 

Ready to lead a team that's making a real difference?

There's never been a more exciting time to join Knowsley Children's Services.

We're looking for an exceptional Team Manager to lead our Young People's Team, helping us continue our ambitious improvement journey and deliver outstanding services for children and young people.

This is more than a management role. It's an opportunity to shape practice, develop talented social workers, and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families across Knowsley.

If you're an experienced social work manager who is passionate about relationship-based practice, developing others and driving positive change, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Knowsley?

A service that's moving forward

We're investing significantly in our Children's Services, and the difference is being recognised. Recent Ofsted monitoring highlighted improvements in workforce stability, leadership oversight, reduced caseloads, and positive feedback from practitioners.

Leadership that listens

Your experience, ideas and professional judgement will be valued. You'll work alongside visible and supportive senior leaders who understand social work and are committed to creating the right conditions for excellent practice.

Manage practice, not pressure

We've invested in additional frontline capacity to reduce caseloads and create the space for high-quality, purposeful work with children and families.

Develop your career

Our highly regarded Social Work Academy provides leadership development, coaching, reflective practice and continuous learning opportunities, helping you grow as a leader while developing the next generation of social workers.  The Academy will work alongside you in providing opportunities for group supervisions and reflection, targeted CPD and continuous support for practitioners to support them in achieving their career aspirations. 

Big ambitions, small enough to make a difference

Knowsley offers the best of both worlds. We're large enough to provide challenge and opportunity, yet small enough for you to see the difference your leadership makes every day.  

About the Role

As a Team Manager, you will:

• Lead, inspire and develop a team of social workers and practitioners.
• Drive high-quality, child-centred practice that improves outcomes for children and young people.
• Provide effective oversight, supervision and support to practitioners.
• Champion relationship-based practice and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Build staff confidence, capability and professional curiosity.
• Work collaboratively with partners to safeguard children and promote permanence, stability and positive futures.
• Contribute to the ongoing transformation of Knowsley Children's Services.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking experienced and motivated social work leaders who:

• Are registered with Social Work England.
• Have a strong track record in safeguarding and supporting children and young people.
• Have experience leading, supervising or developing social work practitioners.
• Are confident making complex decisions and managing risk.
• Can create a positive, supportive and high-performing team culture.
• Are passionate about achieving the very best outcomes for children and young people.
• Hold a full driving licence and have access to a vehicle.

What We Offer

Explore our full benefits https://www.knowsley.gov.uk/yes/our-offer

• Competitive salary and generous benefits package
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Reduced caseloads through continued investment
• Strong leadership support and management oversight
• Access to our Social Work Academy
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employee wellbeing programme
• Excellent opportunities for career progression

Join Us and Help Shape the Future

We're building a service where children and young people can thrive and where social workers are supported to do their very best work.

If you're ready to lead with confidence, inspire excellent practice and be part of a Local Authority that is genuinely committed to improvement, we want to hear from you.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact the Social Work Academy at socialworkacademy@knowsley.gov.uk or Laura Doyle, Head of Service - Laura.Doyle@Knowsley.gov.uk

We welcome applications from residents and beyond, regardless of background, belief, or identity, recognising the value that diversity brings to our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and candidates with disabilities as we acknowledge their underrepresentation in our workforce.  

Curious about how much a pension with Knowsley Council could be worth? Take a look at this public sector pension calculator to find out 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applicants. 

Please note sponsorship is not available for this role

If you are interested in this vacancy, please upload your CV along with a supporting statement as one document in PDF or Word format. Your CV and supporting statement should be tailored to reflect the competencies within the person specification.

Please note if a CV and supporting statement does not reflect the person specification it is unlikely to be shortlisted