Fostering Team Manager

Coram Academy Ltd; Coleshill CP; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fostering agency in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced professional to assist the Registered Manager in managing day-to-day operations. The ideal candidate will lead the recruitment of foster carers, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and oversee staff training and development. This role involves significant interaction with external agencies and maintaining high standards of care and support for foster families. A robust understanding of child protection procedures and the fostering landscape is essential for success in this role.

Benefits

Full induction

Regular supervision

Ongoing training

Qualifications

• Experience in managing teams within a fostering environment.
• Ability to liaise effectively with regulatory bodies like Ofsted.
• Strong understanding of child protection and safeguarding procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Registered Manager in daily operations of the fostering service.
• Oversee the recruitment and support of foster carers.
• Participate in inspections and maintain service compliance.
• Develop training programs for staff and foster carers.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Strategic thinking

Education

Social Work Registration

Job description

Purpose

To assist the Registered Manager with the day to day functioning of the service in accordance with current legislation and guidance. To have a high level of input/responsibility with the continued development and growth of the service.

Main Activities

• Have an input into the strategic development of the service.
• Have an input in the recruitment of foster carers, including developing the recruitment in new geographical areas and overseeing and organising recruitment events. This also includes overseeing digital recruitment and marketing.
• liaise with Ofsted and assist with inspections/data requirements etc.
• monitor activities including Schedule 6s and 7s as well as statutory checks, file audits and unannounced home visit rota.
• day to day management of staffing, budgets, resources, materials and services related to fostering in conjunction with the Registered Manager.
• development of good practice, having regard for policies and procedures especially those that promote a safe working environment including equality of opportunity, anti-discriminatory and inclusive practice.
• recruit and select social work staff in conjunction with the Registered Manager.
• oversee team meetings and children’s workshops and activities including Children’s Panel.
• assist with any commissioning opportunities, including attendance at West Midlands Framework Forums.
• attend fostering forum groups such as The Fostering Network, CoramBaaf, Fairer Fostering and National Association of Fostering Providers to share information and updates with the wider fostering team.
• ensure that foster carers receive regular supervision and support, and assist with training and reviews. To raise matters with external agencies on behalf of Supervising Social Workers as and when required.
• oversee therapeutic interventions and work alongside the Psychotherapist to support carers and children, fully embracing and modelling therapeutic parenting and strategies.
• oversee carers’ training and devise a training programme on an annual basis based on current trends/themes in fostering as well as mandatory training.
• act as Panel Advisor in the absence of the Registered Manager.
• quality assure and sign off Form F reports and Annual Review reports. Compile and maintain a schedule of all Annual Review reports on an annual basis and communicate with the agency’s external Reviewing Officer.
• line manage and undertake supervision of staff/volunteers/students, providing informal support on an ad‑hoc basis. Monitor and assess the development and performance of staff via the annual appraisal system.
• ensure that staff are meeting the service aims and objectives and of the wider organisation.
• work with the Registered Manager to ensure that services are provided in accordance with current legislation and official guidance.
• assist the Registered Manager in preparing documents and reports for Ofsted, Commissioners, Senior Managers and Trustees as required. Attend Trustee meetings in the absence of the Registered Manager. Attend agency meetings/forums and liaise with other agencies.
• develop positive working relationships with foster carers and young people as well as external agencies. Oversee referrals/matching and monitor placement outcomes. Ensure safeguarding/child protection matters are managed in accordance with Child Protection Procedures, FHC policies and procedures and escalation to the relevant LADO.
• participate in the out of hours telephone support service and support staff when not on the rota.
• check and oversee foster carer payments in conjunction with the Manager.
• continue to assess and evaluate the services provided by New Routes and provide information to the Registered Manager as required.
• work effectively with other departments, as part of the wider organisation’s aims and objectives.
• take responsibility for ongoing learning and developmental needs (CPD) in accordance with Social Work England and maintain Social Work registration on an annual basis.
• adhere to FHC values, policies and procedures.
ul>

In return we offer full induction, regular supervision and ongoing training.

Please refer to the Job Description for more details on this role.

For a recruitment pack please telephone Father Hudson’s Caritas (voicemail 01675 434018), quoting post reference number P1902. Alternatively you can visit our website www.fatherhudsons.org.uk or e‑mail [e-mail].

All posts are subject to Enhanced DBS checks, Employment References and Medical Clearance and also subject to a probation period. Occasional evening and weekend work is required.