Fostering Team Lead: Innovative Care & Mockingbird Program

Service Care; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Job summary

Manchester City Council is recruiting a Fostering Team Manager to lead the Fostering Service in Manchester. You will head a team of Supervising Social Workers and Advanced Practitioners, guiding practice and ensuring high standards of care for looked-after children.

You will drive innovative programmes such as Mockingbird and Foster Care Hive, working to enhance placement stability, relationships and outcomes. This is a demanding leadership role within a progressive council.

Qualifications

• Recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
• Significant post-qualifying experience in Children's Social Care, including fostering.
• Previous management or supervisory experience in a statutory setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and supervision to Supervising Social Workers and Advanced Practitioners.
• Oversee delivery of high-quality fostering services and support for carers.
• Develop and promote the Mockingbird programme and Foster Care Hive model.
• Promote placement stability and positive outcomes for children in care.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, guidance and national standards.
• Provide guidance on complex cases, safeguarding and placement challenges.
• Support recruitment, development and ongoing support of foster carers.
• Monitor team performance and service quality across the unit.
• Collaborate with internal teams and partner agencies to improve services.
• Contribute to service improvement and continuing professional development.

Skills

Leadership & supervision

Communication

Strategic planning

Relationship-based practice

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Social Work degree

Registered with Social Work England

Job description

Manchester City Council is recruiting a Fostering Team Manager to lead the Fostering Service in Manchester. You will head a team of Supervising Social Workers and Advanced Practitioners, guiding practice and ensuring high standards of care for looked-after children.

You will drive innovative programmes such as Mockingbird and Foster Care Hive, working to enhance placement stability, relationships and outcomes. This is a demanding leadership role within a progressive council.