Job Title: Deputy Team Manager - Children with Disabilities Team

Salary up to £58,038 per annum*

(Salary: £45,624 to £52,038 per annum + Market Supplement of £6K per annum*)

Grade F

Permanent Contract

37 Hours per Week

We have an exciting opportunity for a Deputy Team Manager to join our Children with Disabilities Team at Thurrock Council.

We are seeking an experienced, energetic, and passionate qualified social worker with experience in a statutory setting. You will be a collaborative team player, able to motivate, support, and empower the staff you supervise. You will think creatively and work effectively in partnership with colleagues and multi-agency professionals.

About the Role

As a Deputy Team Manager, you will directly supervise three social workers within the Review Team, providing case supervision and clear direction. The Review Team supports children subject to Child in Need plans and undertakes the review and assessment of care packages.

You will deputise for the Team Manager as required, contributing to leadership and the day-to-day management of the team to ensure the delivery of a safe, high-quality service to children and families in line with legislation, guidance, and local policies. You will support the Team Manager in overseeing team performance and ensuring practice standards are maintained in line with national standards and corporate objectives.

You will hold a small caseload of complex cases and support colleagues to develop their skills and embed strong, reflective practice. You will be motivated to drive continuous improvement within the team and service, and able to build effective and timely relationships with key stakeholders.

You will join a dynamic, passionate, and committed team where interventions make a direct difference to the lives of children and families. You will receive regular reflective supervision. The Children with Disabilities Team benefits from a stable and permanent workforce, committed to delivering high-quality practice.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a candidate who has:

• A qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.

• Significant post-qualifying experience in children’s social care, including Children with Disabilities services.

• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989/2004, Care Act, and SEND framework.

• Demonstrable experience of safeguarding, risk assessment, and care planning for children with complex needs.

• Proven ability to support and develop staff, including supervising social workers and practitioners.

• Confidence in deputising for the Team Manager and contributing to operational management of the service.

• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

• Experience of working in multi-agency environments and building strong professional partnerships.

• Commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children, young people, and their families.

• Excellent communication, report writing, and recording skills.

• Ability to lead on quality assurance and drive continuous service improvement.

• Resilient, adaptable, and able to work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.

• A clear understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion, particularly in relation to disability.

• Commitment to reflective practice, learning, and continuous professional development.

Thurrock Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Essential Qualifications: Social Work Degree and registered with SWE.

DBS Check: This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, including a Children’s Barred List check.

*Market Supplement is subject to annual review)

Important Dates

Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 31st August 2026

Closing Date (Internal & External): 13th September 2026

Interview Date To Be Confirmed

Additional Information

If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact:

Sarah Hurley – Team Manager

shurley@thurrock.gov.uk

To view the job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:

Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.

Safer Recruitment Application Requirements

As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management from when leaving full-time education is required for all Safeguarding roles Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided (refer to the example document for guidance) and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application. Please provide a full history with explanations of any gaps and ensure you also upload a copy of your full CV.

Gaps in Employment Form

Gaps in Employment Example