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Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government. To find out more about us click here.

Social Work Team Leader - Single Point of Access

We’re celebrating an OUTSTANDING achievement across all areas in our latest Ofsted inspection (December 2024) and now, we’re looking for social workers to help build on this success.

Ofsted praised our leadership, saying: “Leaders have created an environment where staff feel valued, respected, and supported.” If you’re looking for a workplace where you can thrive, grow, and truly make a difference, this is your opportunity!

The Single Point of Access (SPA) Team is the gateway for all incoming contacts into Children’s Services and a key team in supporting, liaising and enabling partner agencies in understanding their roles and identifying safeguarding concerns.

Operational area
Kingston and Richmond
Primary place of work
Guildhall 2, Kingston upon Thames KT1
Appointment type
Permanent
Business area
Children's Social Care
Full time/Part time
Full-time
Salary from
£52,584 (SCP40)
Salary to
£55,620 (SCP43)
Hours
36
Estimated Interview date/s
TBC
Closing Date
10/05/2025
Ref No
1972
Documents

About the role

To be a successful Team Leader in the Single Point of Access (SPA) Team you will be an experienced social worker qualified manager who will be superseded by the Deputy Head of Service. You will:

  • provide management oversight and supervision to the various roles within the team, including Social Workers, Contact information Officers and Business Support Officers.
  • drive performance and timely decisions at the front door. You will also take part in the out of hours Emergency Duty Manager rota.
  • support the day to day running of the team.
  • liaise with partners to improve our relationships and increase the understanding of how the SPA works.

For further information about this role, please contact Suellena Santiago by email suellena.santiago@achievingforchildren.org.uk

About you

  • Educated to a degree level with a relevant professional qualification in social worker.
  • Postgraduate qualification in a relevant  field i.e. social worker, leadership and management.
  • Active Social Work England registration and proven evidence of continuing professional development. 

About our benefits

We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:

  • 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month (Or for term-time workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non-working periods in your contract)
  • Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC
  • Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
  • Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance
  • A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
  • A range of staff benefits and discounts
  • An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway

To find out about all of the breadth of benefits of working for Achieving for Children click here. For our social work offer click here. For our Recruitment Journey, click here.

Important Information

Start dates: Achieving for Children have set start dates meaning successful candidates join on a set date in each month. Candidates are advised to prepare for this should a job offer be accepted to ensure eligible continuous service is not affected.

Right to work: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the GOV.UK website for right to work guidance.

Equality: We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams. Achieving for Children are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

For more information about AfC: Drop in and meet Regina on the first Wednesday of every month at Civic Centre, Twickenham.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

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