Assistant Team Manager (Fostering Recruitment and Assessment)

Hampshire County Council; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable local authority is seeking an Assistant Team Manager to lead the Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Team in Eastleigh. You will supervise a dedicated team, ensure high standards of safeguarding, and promote fostering within the community. The ideal candidate is a qualified social worker with excellent leadership and assessment skills, passionate about fostering positive outcomes for children. Competitive benefits include annual leave and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Benefits

Access to Health Assured's Employee Assistance Programme

Generous annual leave

Occupational sick pay

Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of safeguarding principles and legislative frameworks.
• Proven experience working with foster carers and looked after children.
• Ability to manage complex cases and competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of Assessing Social Workers and Recruitment Officers.
• Act as key link with Fostering Panel Chairs for clear assessments.
• Monitor team capacity, wellbeing, and performance development.

Skills

Assessment skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Leadership skills

Education

Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England

Job description

Joining our Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Team as an Assistant Team Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in leading the operational delivery of foster carer recruitment and assessment across Hampshire. Working alongside another Assistant Team Manager, you’ll supervise staff, drive service improvement, and help maintain high standards of practice across the team.

Our team is at the heart of Hampshire’s efforts to grow its fostering community and meet the needs of our most vulnerable children. We recruit carers who can offer safe, nurturing homes to children who cannot live with their own families. Your work will be instrumental in shaping how we engage with our communities and promote fostering as a rewarding and life-changing journey for both carers and the children they care for.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and supervise a team of Assessing Social Workers and Recruitment Officers, overseeing caseloads, assessments, and case progression.
• Act as the key link with Fostering Panel Chairs to ensure submitted assessment packs are clear, complete, and ready for smooth panel hearings.
• Ensure safeguarding is prioritised throughout the recruitment and assessment process, taking appropriate action in line with statutory frameworks.
• Monitor team capacity, wellbeing, and performance development.
• Promote quality assurance through audits and reviews.
• Contribute to recruitment events, marketing campaigns, and service development.

What we’re looking for:

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding principles and the legislative frameworks underpinning fostering and Children in Care.
• Proven experience working with foster carers, looked after children, and in multi-agency environments.
• Excellent assessment, communication, and organisational skills, with the ability to manage complex cases and competing priorities.
• Ability to lead, motivate and support a diverse team, fostering a positive and high-performing environment.
• Passionate about fostering and committed to achieving positive outcomes.

Why join us:

• Be part of an Outstanding local authority fostering service, making a meaningful difference in children’s lives.
• Develop your leadership skills in a dynamic and supportive environment.
• Help shape the future of fostering in Hampshire through innovation and collaboration.
• Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

To learn more about this role, please review our Candidate Pack available on our website. Please click on the Apply button for details.

Important: You must already have the right to work in the UK. We are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Other job titles you may be searching for: Deputy Team Manager, Senior Social Worker, Fostering Team Leader, Social Work Supervisor, Assistant Manager – Children’s Services, Fostering Assessment Lead.