Court Progression Manager - 1 year Fixed Term Contract

Your new role
Southend Council are looking to appoint a Court Progression Manager within Children's Services within a 1-year fixed term capacity.

The successful candidate will currently be a Team Manager or experienced Advanced Practitioner who can focus on driving the quality and timeliness of court work. They will play a vital role in ensuring cases progress in line with statutory timescales and that children achieve permanence without delay.Key Responsibilities

• Manage and quality assure legal gateway referrals and PLO documentation
• Ensure written social evidence and assessments, plans and reports are of the highest standard, prepared in clear, comprehensible
• Track and monitor care proceedings, PLO, and private law cases using trackers, dashboards, and LCS
• Chair and coordinate PPMs and case progression reviews to prevent drift and delay, and appropriately escalate concerns.
• Oversee assessments, permanence planning, and legal processes
• Provide quality assurance, guidance, and support to practitioners and managers across Family Help, CWD, AIPT, and CLA teams
• Use Power BI and data to monitor performance and produce reports
• Lead monthly tracking meetings and contribute to strategic forums
• Deliver training on PLO, care proceedings, CPRs, and court work

Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 3 days a week.

What you'll need to succeed
To be shortlisted for this position, you must be able to work in the UK, have a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England and have completed your ASYE.

Have extensive knowledge of family law and children's legislation, including the application of the Public Law Outline and the conduct of Court Cases. Experience of complex care proceedings, experience of preparing evidence, witness statements, care plans and giving oral evidence in courtYou need to have front line children's service experience, along with PLO, care proceedings, and court processes. Be confident in managing timescales, data, and oversight of complex caseloads and skilled in quality assurance, analysis, and supporting practice improvement.

What you'll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

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