Service Manager Front Door Service - Children's Services

Job Description

We're looking for a Front Door Service Manager - Children's Services for a local government client in Plymouth, Devon. To lead and develop the Front Door service during a period of transformation, ensuring timely, high-quality responses to contacts, referrals, and safeguarding concerns so children receive the right help at the right time. You will drive improvements in practice standards, decision-making, and risk management, including Section 17 and Section 47 interventions, in line with the Children Act 1989, Children Act 2004, and Working Together to Safeguard Children. Three days each week are required.

Responsibilities

The role will focus on strengthening a consistent, child-centred practice model, supporting and developing staff capability, and embedding a culture of reflective supervision and continuous improvement. You will lead a multi-agency team within a MASH environment, build strong partnerships across health, police, and education, and ensure performance meets statutory timescales. Candidates will be qualified social workers registered with Social Work England, with strong leadership and resilience, and a proven track record of driving service improvement in safeguarding and front-door services.

Knowledge & Experience Requirements

• Must have substantial experience in this field.
• Proven experience in managing staff and budgets
• Substantial experience of working with children in Care and Care Leavers within the statutory, independent or third sector.
• In-depth knowledge in associated areas of management, e.g. adult services, mental health, disability, performance and financial management.
• Knowledge of legislation and statutory guidance relevant to working in children's services
• Knowledge of key childcare and child protection research and assessment frameworks
• Knowledge of vision and priorities, and how it contributes to their achievement
• In-depth knowledge of legislation relating to Data Protection and Freedom of Information

Qualification – Essential

• GCSE Grade (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics.
• Degree in Social Work or equivalent with significant post-qualification front-door services experience, plus evidence of CPD and Social Work England registration
• Advanced Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Outlook, Social Media and CRM

Essential Compliance Requirements

• 5 years' reference, including current employment
• Enhanced DBS & barred list check (Child & adult)
• Willing to engage in the mandatory pre-screening application process.

Diamond Blaque Group, a leading public-sector provider, is acting as the employment agency for this vacancy. Our organisation is deeply committed to fostering an environment of equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace.