Reflective Social Work Practice Manager

We’re looking for a Reflective Practice Manager with social care experience to join our Services & Impact team.

We are looking to continue our commitment to the support offered to our experienced, social care workforce as they provide high quality support to children, young people and their families, in the most difficult of circumstances. This is a relatively new post and reflects our on-going commitment to psychological and trauma informed approaches, as well as staff well-being and development.

A key focus of the role will be to continue to provide reflective practice sessions to staff in a variety of formats, offering a safe space for listening and guided reflection so that they can develop their awareness, practice and self-care. You will ensure staff are supported in their day-to-day work to process the impact of working with children, young people and their families. In addition you will be at the forefront of promoting understanding across the service of trauma informed practice. 

If this sounds appealing you, you are excited by our cause and can see the positive impact you could have, then we want to hear from you!

This role is subject to a criminal record check. In the event of a successful application a basic / standard / enhanced criminal record check will be completed. This role is also subject to a Social Worker Registration.
What will I be doing?

No two days are the same at Young Lives vs Cancer. So, summarising your ‘day to day’ isn’t easy. Here are some of the main things you’ll be doing, but you’ll find more details in the job description.

- To be accountable for summary reporting of activities to monthly regional performance management meetings and to the quarterly service review.
- Develop and grow strong relationships with local management teams.
- To work closely with team managers and senior practitioners and provide consultation with the aim to contribute to management development with a focus on reflective supervision and psychological safety in practice.
- To actively demonstrate a commitment to Young Lives vs Cancer values and promote DEIB in all work undertaken.
- To facilitate 6 weekly group reflective practice sessions for each of our 19 social work teams, creating a safe place for social workers to reflect how they use themselves in their work and to process the emotional impact of their interventions.
- To be accountable for contracting, boundary setting and safe management of the reflective space so that it becomes seen as integral in helping staff and students to process the emotional and psychological impact of their roles.

What do I need?

Diverse perspectives and unique skillsets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet the criteria and person specification fully. Your potential is what matters most to us, and we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment to help you develop.

If you have a BSC or equivalent social work qualification, are registered with either SWE, SSSC, SCW or NISSC  and have a minimum of 3 years management experience, please read on.

In delivering the role, you will have knowledge, experience and understanding of reflective practice supervision, theories of social care, trauma informed practice and proven experience in safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. You will already be able to work effectively and professionally with social work teams. In addition, you will have strong organisational / time management skills with the ability to think systemically and work effectively across multiple teams.

You will be an experienced manager committed to supporting social care teams to deliver high quality social work support to promote the best outcomes for the children, young people and families. You will need to be resourceful and resilient. You will have a positive attitude and be willing to embrace difference. As part of the wider Young Lives vs Cancer team you will actively engage with the work of the charity and welcome opportunities to get involved.