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- Tasks: Lead and transform fostering, adoption, and kinship services for children in Norfolk.
- Company: Join Norfolk County Council, dedicated to improving lives through social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a range of financial perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership and social care is essential.
- Other info: Priority consideration for current employees at risk due to restructuring.
The predicted salary is between 45500 - 61000 £ per year.
Job Description
Service Manager – Fostering, Adoption and Kinship Services | 8699 | permanent contract | 37 hours per week | £55,147 to £60,676 per annum | Grade M | Norwich
Are you an experienced and passionate leader ready to shape the future of fostering, adoption and kinship services in Norfolk?
We are looking for a dynamic and committed Service Manager to lead our countywide Fostering, Adoption and Kinship Services.
This is a pivotal role within Children’s Social Care, responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and effective services that meet the needs of children, young people, and their families.
You will lead Team Managers and Panel Advisers, working closely with partners and commissioned services to ensure compliance with the regulatory framework and national minimum standards. Your leadership will be key in driving service transformation, increasing placement sufficiency, and embedding our practice vision – Vital Signs for Children – across the service.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people across Norfolk.
For an informal discussion, please contact Amy Sibun, Head of Fostering Services, at amy.sibun@norfolk.gov.uk or on (01603) 307735
Before you apply, we recommend reading the full Job Description and Person Specification to help you demonstrate you meet the criteria.
These are some benefits you can enjoy by working for Norfolk County Council:
- Competitive salary
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Health and Wellbeing services including fast-track physiotherapy and a free counselling service
- Flexible working opportunities including flexi-time, part time, remote and hybrid working – dependent on your job role and business need.
- Financial benefits such as:
- ‘ Norfolk Rewards’ our employee discounts programme which helps you save money on almost anything, from everyday groceries and clothes, to holidays, new technology, gym membership, trips to the cinema and days out.
- A Blue Light card for Fire Service and Social Care Workers
- Relocation expenses (where applicable)
- An advance of your expenses if you travel for work
- Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution, life assurance, death in service payments and dependants’ pensions.
- Tax efficient ways of getting extra pension and new bikes
- Access to our tax efficient car lease scheme for greener travel enabling you to lease a brand new, ultra-low emission vehicle (subject to eligibility)
- A payment if you refer someone you know to a hard to fill job
You can find information on our Terms and Conditions here.
Already a Norfolk County Council employee? See and apply for internal and external vacancies in myOracle using your @norfolk.gov.uk or @nccal.ac.uk email.
We would like to make you aware that priority consideration for this post may be given to current employees who are at risk due to restructure within the organisation or are in a redeployment position.
Redeployment closing date: 06 August 2025
All other applicants closing date: 20 August 2025
Interviews will be held w/c 25 August 2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Service Manager - Fostering, Adoption and Kinship Services (8699) employer: Adult Learning
Contact Detail:
Adult Learning Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager - Fostering, Adoption and Kinship Services (8699)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current fostering, adoption, and kinship services landscape in Norfolk. Understanding local challenges and opportunities will help you demonstrate your commitment and insight during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field by attending relevant workshops or seminars. Building connections can provide you with valuable insights and may even lead to recommendations when applying for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the practice vision – Vital Signs for Children. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in similar environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to Amy Sibun for an informal chat about the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a chance to ask questions that can help you tailor your approach when applying.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager - Fostering, Adoption and Kinship Services (8699)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description and person specification for the Service Manager position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your leadership experience and any relevant work in fostering, adoption, or kinship services. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully managed teams and driven service improvements.
Showcase Your Vision: Articulate your vision for fostering, adoption, and kinship services in your application. Discuss how you would implement the 'Vital Signs for Children' practice vision and what strategies you would employ to enhance service delivery.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are well-structured and clearly convey your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Adult Learning
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Service Manager role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of fostering, adoption, and kinship services, as well as the specific challenges faced in Norfolk.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Service Manager, you'll be leading teams and driving service transformation. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your leadership style, how you've motivated teams, and successfully implemented changes in service delivery.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about situations where you've had to navigate complex issues in social care and how you approached them.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Approach
Collaboration is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've worked with partners and stakeholders in the past. Emphasise your ability to build relationships and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks while maintaining high standards of care.
