Service Manager Children, Young People & Families

Service Manager – Children, Young People & Families (Targeted Help Service)


Location: Plymouth PL1 (Hybrid – 2 days remote, 3 days office-based)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Assignment: Temporary for 12 weeks (Vacancy pending recruitment)  
Rate: £356.46 – £450 per day
Proposed start: 30th April 2026


This is an exciting time to join our clients team Plymouth, where ambitious developments are underway to strengthen supporting children and families.

The team are building their Families First Partnership approach with local partners to ensure families receive the right help at the right time, so they can be safe, happy, and thrive.

Plymouth City Council are currently seeking an experienced, motivated, and resilient Service Manager to lead their Targeted Help Service. This pivotal leadership role is evolving in line with national social work reforms, so they’re looking for someone confident in leading through change and with a strong understanding of the Lead Family Help Professional role.

Targeted Help Teams deliver intensive family support to children and families with multiple vulnerabilities and complex needs. You will oversee managers of Family Help Lead Professionals (both alternatively qualified staff and social workers) creating the conditions for creative, strengths‑based practice that empowers families to make sustainable change.


Who We’re Looking For

Applications are welcomed from qualified and experienced social workers who:

• Hold Social Work England registration

• Have an Enhanced DBS

• Are committed to high‑quality, intervention‑based practice and safeguarding

• Value collaboration, honesty, and continuous learning

• Are compassionate, curious, and creative in their approach

• Want to be part of a supportive team that puts children, young people, and families first

About the Role

As Service Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Targeted Help service, ensuring high‑quality decision‑making, effective planning for children, and alignment with national reforms. You will work closely with Child Protection Service Managers to ensure seamless transitions and strong partnership working.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a service of social workers and alternatively qualified practitioners delivering intensive family support

• Provide professional leadership and management oversight to social workers, family help practitioners, and team managers

• Ensure compliance with the Children Act 1989, Care Act 2014, and Working Together 2023

• Drive service improvement through performance management, quality assurance, and workforce development

• Strengthen multi‑agency partnerships to ensure timely, effective support for families

• Embed a culture of reflective practice, high standards, and continuous learning

• Provide senior management cover and participate in the on‑call rota as required

You will play a central role in keeping children and young people safe, championing family‑led approaches, and ensuring high‑quality protection, care, and planning when needed.


Closing date for applications: 31.03.26

Interviews to take place on 7th April via teams.


For more information, please call Emily on 01752 601116 or click below to apply now!