Contact Service Team Manager

Woking, Surrey
£54,636-58,953 per year
Permanent
Full-time

14 days ago

Details

Title: Contact Service Team Manager
Reference: SCC/TP/287946/3655
Positions: 1
Salary: £54,636 - £58,953 per annum
Category: Care - Children and Young People
Contract type: Secondment
Working hours: 36 hours per week
Posted on: 13 August 2025
Closing date: 4 September 2025
Directorate: Children, Families & Lifelong Learning
Location: Victoria Gate, Chobham Road, Woking, GU21 6JD

DescriptionWe are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.The salary range for this position is £54,636 - £58,953 per annum based on a 36 hour working week (full-time).This is a 6-month secondment opportunity. Please discuss with your current Line Manager before submitting your application.We are excited to be hiring a Contact Service Team Manager to join our fantastic Surrey Supervised Contact Service. The post will be based in Woking but has countywide responsibilities based on the principle that family-time should take place close to where a child lives. The post will also have oversight of family-time arrangements for children placed out of county and at a distance.Rewards and Benefits

26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
A generous local government salary related pension
Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
2 paid volunteering days per year
Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

About the RoleOur "service quality and 'comprehensive improvement programme' is having an improved impact for children in need or children who are the subject of a child protection plan in Surrey."- Ofsted- April 2024.Our Supervised Contact Service plays a vital role in facilitating meaningful, safe, and purposeful family time for children looked after, or who are subject to Special Guardianship Orders. We are now seeking a compassionate and experienced Contact Service Team Manager to join this essential service. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the experiences of children and families.As Team Manager, you will lead a dedicated and skilled team based across two sites: the Shaw Centre in Woking and the Woodlands Centre in Reigate. The team includes Team Leaders, Senior Contact Supervisors, Contact Supervisors, and Business Support staff. Together, you will ensure that supervised contact is delivered to the highest standards, always with the child's safety, wellbeing, and care plan at the heart of every decision.You will oversee the delivery of supervised family-time that is not only safe but also meaningful, supporting children to maintain and build positive relationships with their families. You'll ensure that each contact session is carefully risk-assessed and aligned with the child's care plan, and that the voices of children and their families are heard and reflected in planning and decision-making.The team produce written reports for court proceedings, care planning and the child's records, and Contact Supervisors observe interactions, intervening when necessary to prevent harm and promote the child's wellbeing. Family-time can take place at our designated centres: The Shaw or Woodlands Centre, or in the community, where appropriate. We also offer virtual supervised contact when in-person sessions are not possible or suitable.Shortlisting CriteriaTo be considered for shortlisting, your CV and personal statement will clearly evidence the following:

A professional qualification in social work (CQSW, DipSW, or equivalent) and registration with Social Work England
Proven experience in leading and developing teams within children's services
A deep understanding of the role supervised family-time plays in care proceedings and permanence planning
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including families, social workers, and legal professionals
A commitment to child-centred, trauma-informed, and strengths-based practice

Contact UsPlease contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. For an informal discussion please contact Susan Hirst by e-mail.The job advert closes at 23:59 on 04/09/2025 with interviews planned for the week after, subject to shortlisting.We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.Local Government ReorganisationSurrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here:Our BehavioursThe Surrey Way behaviours are a guide that supports our council to work together effectively and deliver our best for our customers and communities, and for each other.Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our also provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.Our CommitmentSurrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:

The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.Files to download

Reviewed: 21 Aug 2025

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