At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in fostering and young adult placements to drive service growth.
- Company: Join Moore House Group, a respected leader in trauma-informed care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £57,457 plus benefits and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to excellence and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young adults across Scotland.
- Qualifications: Professional social work qualification and 25+ years of management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 57457 - 57457 £ per year.
Location: Based in Livingston
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: £57,457 + Benefits
Closing Date: 31/08/2026
21 HSC are delighted to have been exclusively retained by Moore House Group to recruit for this exceptional leadership role. Moore House Group is a highly respected organisation with a strong reputation for delivering sector-leading, trauma-informed care, and opportunities of this calibre are extremely rare within the fostering and young adult placement sector.
The Role
You will provide executive leadership and full operational oversight of the organisations fostering and young adult placement services, shaping their strategic direction and driving sustainable growth across Scotland. Key priorities include:
- Leading the organisations strategic development and contributing at senior management level.
- Maintaining Grade 6 (Excellent) Care Inspectorate ratings across all areas.
- Designing and delivering innovative carer recruitment and retention strategies to grow the service to around 50 full-time foster families.
- Championing the service across Scotland, building strong relationships with local authorities, health boards, and commissioning teams.
- Ensuring regulatory compliance, financial accountability, and high-quality reporting to senior executives and the board.
- Providing expert oversight of child and adult protection, safeguarding practice, and risk management.
- Leading, motivating, and developing a skilled staff team, including supervision, appraisals, and CPD planning.
What We're Looking For
We are seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking leader with:
- A professional social work qualification (BA Social Work, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent).
- 25+ years of progressive management experience within social work or family placement services.
- Strong expertise in child and adult protection, safer caring, and trauma-informed practice.
- Strategic leadership capability, resilience, and a growth-focused mindset.
- Confidence working with marketing teams to deliver public-facing recruitment campaigns.
- A track record in service development, quality assurance, or fostering within an IFP (preferred).
Why This Role Matters
This is a chance to shape a service that genuinely changes lives - strengthening families, improving stability for children, and expanding opportunities for young adults. You'll be joining an organisation with an outstanding reputation and a commitment to excellence, innovation, and The Promise.
How to Apply
If you're an inspiring leader ready to drive meaningful change in fostering and young adult placements, we'd love to hear from you. Click "Apply" and submit your up-to-date CV. For more information and a detailed job description, please contact Steve More, Sean Carruthers or Danielle Frame at 21 HSC. Suitable candidates will be contacted promptly to arrange an initial face-to-face screening call, either in person or via video before formally submitting candidates for interview.
Head of Fostering & Young Adult Placement in Edinburgh employer: 21HSC LIMITED
21 Health and Social Care is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With a focus on person-centred practice and collaboration within the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, employees benefit from competitive rates, ongoing training opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. Join a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering high-quality social work services in a dynamic and rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fostering & Young Adult Placement in Edinburgh
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Get hands-on experience by volunteering with local charities or organisations in your area. This not only helps you build practical skills but also gets you noticed by potential placements like those at 21HSC LIMITED. Plus, they often have insider info on who’s hiring!
✨Join Student and Professional Networks
Tap into student networks and professional bodies related to social work. Attend events or workshops they organise, as this is a great way to meet people in the field and make valuable connections that could lead to placements at places like 21HSC LIMITED.
✨Showcase Your Passion Online
Start a blog or a social media page dedicated to social work topics. Share your thoughts on relevant issues or spotlight local projects you're involved in. This helps build your visibility and shows that you’re passionate, which placement providers like 21HSC LIMITED will definitely notice!
✨Stay Ahead with Applications
Many social work placements have specific application windows, so keep an eye on these and prepare early. Use university career services to refine your approach and research organisations like 21HSC LIMITED that align with your values and aspirations!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fostering & Young Adult Placement in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Empathy Skills:In social work, empathy isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the heart of the profession! Use your cover letter to highlight specific experiences where you've demonstrated compassion and understanding. Whether it's through volunteer work, previous placements, or even personal experiences, make sure 21HSC LIMITED sees your human side.
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Experiences:When crafting your CV, focus on your relevant experiences in social work or related fields. Include any placements, volunteering, or coursework that showcase your understanding of social issues. Don’t forget to mention any specific training or certifications you've acquired – it’s these details that’ll catch 21HSC LIMITED's attention!
Express Your Passion for Learning:Since this is a placement, show us how eager you are to learn and grow in the field of social work. In your cover letter, talk about why you chose social work as a career. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm for making a difference and your commitment to developing your skills on the job.
Include Real-World Examples:When discussing your skills and experiences, try to include concrete examples that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and teamwork. Whether it’s a group project from your studies, a case study you’ve worked on, or even life experiences, make those details shine in your application to show how you'd fit into the 21HSC LIMITED team!
How to prepare for a job interview at 21HSC LIMITED
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
When it comes to social work placements, it's all about demonstrating your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight your motivation for joining this field. We want to see that you've got that genuine passion and empathy that makes a great social worker.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving abilities and ethical judgement. They might ask how you’d handle a challenging client or navigate a sensitive situation, so think through your responses and be ready to show how you can apply your knowledge in real-life contexts. It’s a good idea to review common case studies in social work to get into the right mindset.
✨Know Your Theories
Brush up on the key social work theories and frameworks that underpin practice. Being able to reference these during your interview can really impress your interviewers at 21HSC LIMITED. We suggest relating them to your own understanding of situations, showing you're ready to apply theory to practice.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
Since this is a placement, your potential for growth is just as important as your current skills. Make sure to express your eagerness to learn from experienced professionals and your openness to feedback. Discuss how you plan to develop during your time at 21HSC LIMITED and how that aligns with your career goals in social work.
