Jobs

We are seeking an exceptional and forward‑thinking Group Manager for Access and Multiple Vulnerabilities to join our Children & Families Service. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a high‑performing service at a time of innovation and transformation across the Council.

It is an exciting time in Children and Young Peoples Services in North Yorkshire as we plan our approach in respect of the Families First Partnership Programme and how we will be responding to the social care reforms. Work is underway to plan our approach and implementations for 2027. As a result of this, some realignment may happen with job roles in the future, we want to be transparent about this in respect of this role.

In this senior leadership role, you will take responsibility for the Multi‑Agency Screening Team (MAST), specialist social workers, and the development of policy and practice that drives high‑quality outcomes for children, young people, and families across North Yorkshire.

About the Role

As Group Manager, you will:

• Provide inspirational leadership to managers and specialist practitioners, ensuring high‑quality, evidence‑based decision making and consistently high practice standards.
• Lead the ongoing development of services relating to missing children, exploitation, and other complex vulnerabilities.
• Drive transformational change, service improvement and innovation in line with local and national priorities.
• Oversee service performance, quality assurance, and operational delivery, ensuring timely and accurate reporting against key indicators.
• Manage budgets effectively and support managers to deliver high‑performing, value‑for‑money services.
• Build strong partnerships across statutory agencies, third sector organisations and wider partners to promote seamless support for children and families.
• Support strategic planning activity and play a significant role in delivering the Council’s high‑profile Partners in Practice programme.
• Contribute as a key member of the Children & Families Senior Management Team.

An Enhanced DBS check is required.

About You

You will be a confident, dynamic and resilient senior leader with:

Essential Skills & Experience

• Extensive post‑qualification experience working with children & families, including complex casework and safeguarding.
• In‑depth knowledge of legislation, research and best practice relating to children’s services.
• Proven experience as a senior manager within Children’s Services.
• A strong track record in people management, including performance, recruitment, and handling complex staffing matters.
• Experience leading cross‑agency work at a senior level, making a demonstrable impact on outcomes.
• Experience managing significant budgets and delivering efficiency without compromising quality.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation and report‑writing skills.
• Ability to lead change, motivate teams, and work effectively in a political environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker (CQSW, DipSW, CSS, PQCCA or equivalent).
• Current social work registration (HCPC/Social Work England).
• Advanced/post‑qualifying training is desirable.

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel across North Yorkshire.
• Ability to attend meetings outside standard business hours when required.

The role of Group Manager is dynamic and diverse, requiring a confident, autonomous individual to drive forward practice and influence stakeholders, partners and colleagues. We are looking for an innovative social work professional with strategic managerial experience who is driven, astute, inspirational, and a great communicator.

 Why Join Us?

• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days of holiday (pro-rata), increasing to 34 days after 5 years’ service – plus public holidays.

• Pension Scheme: Save for your future with our generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Fitness Discounts: Discounted Gym memberships at various gyms across the county.
• Lifestyle Savings: Enjoy a wide range of discounts at hundreds of popular high-street and online retailers.
• And more: Additional wellbeing support, employee assistance, and development opportunities.

As a council we are very much committed to encouraging flexible working for our employees, including using modern technologies to support agile ways of working, alongside office-based working.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Barbara Merrygold on 01609 798331 or via email at Barbara.Merrygold@northyorks.gov.uk

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.

Company: North Yorkshire Council

Salary: From £58,239 up to £67,030 per annum pro rata plus relocation support

Location: Northallerton, North Yorkshire

Sector: Corporate Services

Sector: Corporate Management Team

Sector: Health and Social Care

Job Role: Manager