Fostering Team Manager – Manchester | Leadership in Care

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

Job summary

Manchester City Council is seeking an experienced Fostering Team Manager to lead a team of Supervising Social Workers and Advanced Practitioners within the Fostering Service. The role focuses on delivering high-quality fostering support, developing innovative programmes such as Mockingbird and Foster Care Hive, and improving placement stability for children in care.

The post requires a recognised Social Work qualification, current Social Work England registration and significant experience in

Qualifications

• A recognised Social Work qualification (Degree, Diploma in Social Work or equivalent).
• Current registration with Social Work England.
• Significant post-qualifying experience within Children's Social Care, ideally including fostering services.
• Previous management or supervisory experience within a statutory social work setting.
• Strong knowledge of fostering legislation, safeguarding procedures and relevant guidance.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and supervision to Supervising Social Workers and Advanced Practitioners.
• Oversee high-quality fostering services and support for foster carers.
• Lead the Mockingbird programme and Foster Care Hive initiatives.
• Promote placement stability and positive outcomes for children in care.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, safeguarding and statutory standards.
• Provide oversight on complex cases and safeguarding concerns.
• Support recruitment, retention and development of foster carers.
• Monitor performance, service quality and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with internal teams and partner agencies.
• Contribute to service improvements and reflective practice.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisation

Decision making

Relationship-based

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

Manchester City Council is seeking an experienced Fostering Team Manager to lead a team of Supervising Social Workers and Advanced Practitioners within the Fostering Service. The role focuses on delivering high-quality fostering support, developing innovative programmes such as Mockingbird and Foster Care Hive, and improving placement stability for children in care.

The post requires a recognised Social Work qualification, current Social Work England registration and significant experience in