Fostering Social Work Manager

Vetro Recruitment; Stamfordham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fostering service provider in the United Kingdom seeks an experienced Registered Manager to oversee operations and ensure compliance with fostering regulations. The ideal candidate will possess a social work qualification and have proven leadership skills. This role involves managing a team, ensuring quality assurance, and providing support to foster carers. Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment are offered.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Focus on excellence and high standards

Qualifications

• Registered with Social Work England, maintaining professional registration.
• Comprehensive understanding of the legislative framework governing fostering.
• Experience in leading and managing teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational and regulatory compliance of the service.
• Act as the Safeguarding Lead managing allegations and liaising with authorities.
• Lead recruitment, assessment, and training of foster carers.

Skills

Social work qualification

Leadership skills

Organisational skills

Knowledge of fostering legislation

Analytical skills

Education

Qualified Social Worker

Job description

Registered Manager (Fostering Service)

Are you an ambitious, experienced Fostering leader committed to achieving an 'Outstanding' service?

We are working with a forward-thinking and ambitious organisation dedicated to providing exceptional care for children and young people. They are in need of a highly skilled, knowledgeable, and aspirational Registered Manager to assume operational oversight, lead our small team, and drive their service toward an 'Outstanding' rating.

This is a critical leadership role reporting to the Responsible Individual and Directors, where your expertise will directly impact the safety, well-being, and positive outcomes for children living with foster families.

The Role

Specialist Leadership and Service Development

Key Responsibilities

• Operational & Regulatory Oversight: Assume overall responsibility for the service, ensuring full compliance with the National Minimum Standards, The Fostering Regulations, and relevant legislation. Undertake all duties commensurate with the role, including preparation for OFSTED inspections and subsequent action planning.
• Safeguarding Lead: Act as the Agency designated person for managing allegations, liaising with the LADO, and ensuring the team maintains a sound knowledge of child protection/safeguarding procedures.
• Practice Leadership & Management: Lead and manage a small team, providing formal supervision, casework support, and annual appraisals to ensure the highest standards of support and professional development for staff.
• Carer Recruitment & Support Strategy: Have lead responsibility for the strategy concerning the recruitment, assessment, preparation, training, and ongoing support and retention of foster carers.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Oversee the foster carer assessment process, including the quality assurance of reports, annual reviews, and the Panel systems. Routinely review and update Policies & Procedures and audit records.
• Strategic Planning: Devise and implement an annual service delivery plan and work with the Senior Management Team on financial planning and budget proposals to drive service enhancement.
• Partnership Working: Promote and market the fostering service to Local Authorities, working in partnership with partner agencies to enhance placement decisions and achieve positive outcomes for children.

What You'll Bring (Qualifications and Skills)

• Essential: A social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England, with a commitment to maintaining professional registration.
• In-Depth Knowledge: A comprehensive and current understanding of the legislative framework governing Fostering Service Providers, including NMS and The Fostering Regulations.
• Proven Leadership: Experience in leading and managing a team, providing effective supervision, and driving high-quality practice.
• Management Skills: Exceptional organisational, analytical, and reporting skills, with the ability to analyse data, report on themes/trends, and complete annual Business Plans.
• Commitment to Quality: A track record of developing policy and practice, auditing, and quality assuring records to ensure the service is aspirational in supporting children to achieve their full potential.
• Flexibility: Willingness to provide advice, information, and support to foster carers, which includes being part of support out of office hours.

Why Join?

• A Clear Mandate for Excellence: Work closely with the Directors and Responsible Individual to develop an 'Outstanding' provision.
• Impactful Role: Your expertise will be central to the operational management and strategic development of the service, directly leading to better outcomes for children and families.
• Professional Development: We are committed to identifying training needs and promoting continued professional development to maintain staff registration and excellence.
• Supportive Environment: Be part of an organisation committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, where flexibility and high standards of practice are valued.

If you are a highly knowledgeable and aspirational Registered Manager ready to lead an ambitious service, we want to hear from you.