Practice Manager - Children with Disabilities

  • Ackerman Pierce
  • Dorchester, Dorset
  • Jan 11, 2026
Full time

Job Description

Practice Manager - Children with DisabilitiesSalary: £59,511 to £61,653 + £3,000 Recruitment & Retention BonusLocation: Redbridge, London - 3 days per week in officeContract: PermanentAbout the RoleRedbridge Council is seeking an experienced Practice Manager to lead their Children with Disabilities Service. You will manage a skilled team of Social Workers, Senior Practitioners, and unqualified staff, overseeing day-to-day operations, complex casework, and ensuring excellent outcomes for children and families.You will take a hands-on leadership role in managing contacts, referrals, assessments, and child protection enquiries, while fostering a learning culture, mentoring staff, and contributing to service development. Acting as deputy to the Team Manager when required, you will also build strong multi-agency relationships across the borough.Key Responsibilities
  • Manage, motivate, and develop a team of qualified and unqualified staff.
  • Oversee allocation of new Child and Family Assessments and Child Protection enquiries.
  • Support staff with supervision, mentoring, and professional development.
  • Lead on complex casework and provide advice, consultation, and guidance to team members.
  • Ensure service delivery meets statutory requirements, policies, and best practice standards.
  • Contribute to service improvement, team planning, and policy development.
  • Represent the Team Manager in meetings, both internal and external.
  • Promote a culture of learning, reflection, and high professional standards.
Experience & Skills Required
  • Significant post-qualification experience in children's social care, including Child Protection, Looked After Children, and families in crisis.
  • Proven experience of supervising and managing staff and social work students.
  • Strong assessment, analytical, and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage complex cases.
  • Experience of working effectively within multi-agency partnerships and influencing change.
  • Knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance, including Children Act 1989, Adoption and Children Act 2004, Working Together 2013, and Fostering Regulations and Standards.
  • Ability to produce high-quality reports, attend court, and give professional advice.
  • Strong communication and organisational skills, able to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
Qualifications
  • Recognised Social Work qualification (CQSW, DipSW, BA Hons Social Work or equivalent)
  • HCPC registration
  • Post-qualifying practice assessor qualification desirable
Why Apply?This is an exciting opportunity to join Redbridge Council and make a real difference to children with disabilities and their families. You will be supported to lead, develop, and inspire your team while contributing to service improvement and excellent outcomes.Contact:Phil PuacaTel: Email: