At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop fostering services while managing a team of social workers.
- Company: Join Foster Care Associates, a leading agency dedicated to improving lives of looked after children.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car or allowance, 30-35 days leave, and more perks.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in children's lives while working in a supportive and growing environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a SWE registered Social Worker with 3+ years in fostering and supervisory experience.
- Other info: Interviews are virtual; we value diversity and are a disability confident employer.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
Fostering Service Manager
Salary: Up to £45,000 Per Annum
Benefits: Company Car or £2,000 Car Allowance, 30 days Annual Leave (rising to 35 days with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme & Medical Cash Plan
Location: Homebased
Area: Peterborough and East Midlands
Foster Care Associates are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Fostering Service Manager to develop and promote the fostering services in our Peterborough/East Midlands area . Regular travel across this area and bi-monthly travel to Sheffield will be a requirement.
About Us
Set up by a former foster parent and former social worker in 1994, Foster Care Associates (FCA) is an established fostering agency which forms part of the Polaris Community – one of the UK’s largest leading communities of children’s service providers.
The business was born out of an enthusiasm for delivering fostering services to make a positive difference to the lives of looked after children. Our first office was in the Worcestershire countryside, and that’s still where our Head Office is today.
We’ve come a long way since those early days and, over the years, FCA has built a strong reputation for excellence, and now offers a wide range of services to children and families. But our purpose remains the same; ‘to make a positive and lasting difference for children, families and communities’, and it’s underpinned by a series of values designed to help us assist children and young people to reach their full potential.
About the Role
As Fostering Service Manager you will be expected to work closely with Local Authorities to effectively manage, develop and promote Social Work and Support Services within your remit. You will be accountable for the operational, regulatory and financial performance of your area. Reporting directly to the Registered Manager, you will provide positive and strong leadership and management to your team consisting of 4 Senior/Supervising Social Workers to create a positive and lasting difference for children/young people and foster carers.
This role is a Full Time, Permanent position which also comes with an attractive salary of £45,000 per annum depending on skills/experience with company car/allowance + extensive benefits which includes a generous holiday allowance of up to 35 days annual leave in line with service + Bank Holidays and contributory pension scheme.
About You
You will need to be SWE registered Social Worker, with at least 3 years’ experience in fostering and have some experience of supervising social work staff. With proven experience in working successfully in a commercial environment, supported by a strong commitment to improving outcomes for looked after children and young people and providing high quality foster care provision, you will also possess a good understanding of the Fostering Service from a regulatory, commercial and operational point of view.
It is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a highly supportive environment and to continue to build on an already highly performing fostering service which continues to develop and grow.
To be considered, please apply and we will be in touch.
No agencies please.
Interviews at this time will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams, and all appointments managed pragmatically in line with individual and company needs.
Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the disability confident employer by the jobcentre plus. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position.
Fostering Service Manager employer: Polaris
Contact Detail:
Polaris Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering Service Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience in fostering and social work during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've positively impacted the lives of children and families in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with the regulatory and operational aspects of fostering services. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role and how you can contribute to FCA's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Since the role involves regular travel, be ready to discuss your approach to managing time and resources effectively while ensuring high-quality service delivery across the Peterborough and East Midlands area.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your enthusiasm for working in a supportive environment and your commitment to improving outcomes for looked after children. This aligns with FCA's values and will resonate well with the interviewers.
We think you need these skills to ace Fostering Service Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Fostering Service Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, such as being a SWE registered Social Worker with experience in fostering.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in fostering and social work management. Emphasize your leadership skills and any experience you have in a commercial environment, as these are crucial for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for improving outcomes for looked after children and young people. Mention specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles and align your values with those of Foster Care Associates.
Prepare for Virtual Interviews: Since interviews will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams, ensure you are comfortable with the platform. Test your technology beforehand and prepare to discuss your experience and how it relates to the role in detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris
✨Show Your Passion for Fostering
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for fostering and how it aligns with the mission of Foster Care Associates. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of children and families.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Fostering Service Manager, strong leadership is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in social work settings. Highlight your ability to motivate and support staff while achieving operational goals.
✨Understand Regulatory Frameworks
Familiarize yourself with the regulatory aspects of fostering services. Be ready to discuss how you have navigated these regulations in previous roles and how you plan to ensure compliance while promoting high-quality care.
✨Prepare for Virtual Interview Dynamics
Since interviews will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams, practice your video call skills. Ensure your technology works smoothly, choose a quiet location, and maintain eye contact with the camera to create a connection with the interviewers.