Connected People - Fostering Team Manager

Cheshire West and Chester Council; Chester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in England is seeking a dedicated Manager for the Fostering Service to oversee the Connected People Team. This role involves leading and managing staff while ensuring the welfare of children and families through innovative practices. Strong candidates will have knowledge of fostering legislation, experience with children and families, and a commitment to professional development. The position offers competitive benefits and advancement opportunities within a supportive local authority environment.

Benefits

Work-life balance

Flexible working arrangements

Comprehensive learning and development programme

Free parking at office locations

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of fostering regulations and standards.
• Experience working directly with children and families.
• Understanding of Kinship Foster Carers and Special Guardians.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Connected People Team.
• Supervise staff across fostering and support services.
• Promote positive practice and innovative approaches.
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Analytical Assessments

Motivational Interviewing

Trauma Informed Practice

Education

Registration with Social Work England

Relevant Social Work Qualifications

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Fostering Service to lead and manage the Connected People Team, supervising and supporting the staff team, which includes the Connected People Fostering Team and the Special Guardianship Support Team. You will have the opportunity to assure positive practice and development and to be innovative and creative in working alongside other professionals within the wider service. We are looking for an enthusiastic, energetic and self‑motivated Manager who has the qualifications, experience and skills needed for this role. The Connected People Team undertakes robust, analytical assessments which focus on the trauma children have experienced and how the kinship carer can provide the most appropriate care. We offer a high level of support to the children, young people, Kinship Foster Carers and Special Guardians we work with, as well as quality supervision, training and support groups for carers. Cheshire West and Chester Council is a place where everyone can Thrive - through our core values of Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Value for Money and Empowerment. As a Team Manager, you will safeguard and promote the welfare of Cheshire West and Chester's children by delivering a high-quality service, keeping children's wellbeing and safety at the heart of your approach.

You will have extensive knowledge of legislation underpinning delivery of social care including Fostering regulations and standards plus Special Guardianship legislation. The vacancy is for a full time, permanent Team Manager, Our Children's Social Care workforce is passionate and committed to improving outcomes for children in our Authority by providing a consistent, high-quality service to children and families, together with the support from a stable leadership and management team. We are committed to a culture of shared learning and development in which everyone has a part to play to ensure that our services to children and families focusses on positive outcomes. We have developed and continue to embed 'Our Way of Working' with our multi‑agency partners to ensure improved collaboration and one common approach to our work with families using Motivational Interviewing and Trauma Informed Practice. Managers and Social Workers are encouraged to work creatively in planning and decision‑making with children and their families and our partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes and with a focus on prevention at every level. Cheshire West and Chester will be committed to supporting your development. Staff report opportunities to progress into more senior positions in the organisation and develop their skills through moving around different service areas. Social Workers receive regular and reflective supervision, and they are supported to learn and develop their skills through a comprehensive learning and development programme. Our commitment and investment in professional development means that most of our Senior Practice Leads, Senior Social Workers, Team Managers and some Senior Managers have progressed within our own organisation. As a local authority, we have developed an inspirational social work offer to support and develop our valued workforce, including. High quality progression and developmental opportunities Work‑life balance, flexible and remote working arrangements available, including up to date IT equipment, and a smart mobile phone for all employees Competitive working rewards High quality supervision Strong reflective practice framework Free parking at all our office locations As employers, we recognise that Cheshire West and Chester Council has a major role to play in improving the quality of life of its employees. We have a strong political and senior leadership team with a wealth of experience and knowledge about children's outcomes across the borough of Cheshire West and Chester. Children's Social Care and the wider partnership use this understanding well to target areas for continued improvement.

• require registration with Social Work England as a registered Social Worker.
• be able to work across the Cheshire West and Chester Borough and beyond
• must demonstrate experience and a good understanding of working directly with children and families including working with Kinship Foster Carers and Special Guardians.