Fostering Team Manager [MCC]

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

Fostering Team Manager – Manchester City Council

Location: Manchester, M22 5RE

Employer: Manchester City Council

Rate of Pay: £40.00 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract Type: Temporary / Agency Service: Children's Services – Fostering

Recruitment Agency: Service Care Solutions

About the Role

Service Care Solutions is currently recruiting an experienced and motivated Fostering Team Manager to join Manchester City Council's Fostering Service, offering a competitive rate of £40.00 per hour (Umbrella). This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Social Work Manager looking to take on a rewarding leadership role within a progressive and continually improving fostering service. You will be responsible for leading a team of Supervising Social Workers and Advanced Practitioners, alongside overseeing the innovative Mockingbird programme and Manchester's developing network of Foster Care Hives. Manchester City Council is committed to delivering outstanding support to foster families and children in care, embracing innovative, relationship-based approaches that promote placement stability, strengthen fostering communities and achieve positive outcomes for vulnerable children.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide effective leadership, management and supervision to a team of Supervising Social Workers and Advanced Practitioners.
• Oversee the delivery of high-quality fostering services, ensuring foster carers receive appropriate support, guidance and supervision.
• Lead and support the development of the Mockingbird programme and the emerging Foster Care Hive model, promoting connected and supportive fostering communities.
• Promote placement stability, positive relationships and improved outcomes for children and young people in care.
• Ensure fostering practice complies with relevant legislation, statutory guidance, fostering regulations and national minimum standards.
• Provide professional oversight and guidance in relation to complex fostering cases, safeguarding concerns and placement challenges.
• Support the recruitment, retention, development and ongoing support of foster carers.
• Monitor team performance, service quality and compliance with statutory responsibilities.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, partner agencies, foster carers and other professionals.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives, promoting innovation, reflective practice and continuous professional development.

Essential Requirements

• 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 statutory guidance.
• Experience managing complex cases, supporting practitioners and promoting high standards of professional practice.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organisational and decision-making skills.
• An understanding of relationship-based fostering models, with knowledge of the Mockingbird programme being advantageous.
• A commitment to improving outcomes for children in care and supporting foster families.

Pre-employment and Compliance Requirements

• Five years of employment references.
• Verification and explanation of any gaps in employment history.
• Verification of relevant professional qualifications and registration.
• Completion of required Department for Education (DfE) safeguarding and compliance checks.
• Appropriate DBS and other safer recruitment checks.

Why Join Manchester City Council?

• Take on a key leadership role within an ambitious and developing fostering service.
• Help shape innovative fostering initiatives, including the Mockingbird programme and Foster Care Hives.
• Work alongside experienced and dedicated Children's Social Care professionals.
• Contribute to improving placement stability and outcomes for children in care.
• Support foster carers through relationship-based, collaborative approaches.
• Earn a competitive £40.00 per hour Umbrella while gaining valuable management experience.