At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team supporting kinship foster carers and ensure high-quality service delivery.
- Company: Join BCP Council, a forward-thinking organisation committed to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career progression, and enhanced employee benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with support for your professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of children and their families.
- Qualifications: Experienced manager with knowledge of fostering regulations and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 56293 - 56293 £ per year.
Starting salary for this role is £56,293 (pro rata for part-time colleagues). This role sits within a well-defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception, all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation. Be part of a forward-thinking workplace where you’re supported to grow and you can truly #BeTheDifference at BCP.
We are looking for an experienced and motivated manager who can lead with confidence, work collaboratively and contribute to the continued development of our kinship offer for children and their carers.
About The Role
The Approved Kinship Team supports approved kinship foster carers. The successful candidate will lead a team of five qualified social workers, providing strong operational and practice oversight and supporting the team to deliver a responsive, high-quality service. A key focus will be ensuring that kinship foster carers are supported to meet the requirements of the Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and the National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services, helping carers provide safe, stable and nurturing homes and achieve good outcomes for children.
The Team Manager will work closely with the Kinship Assessment Team and the SGO Support Team to ensure clear pathways and joined-up support for kinship families. This will include developing responsive support for kinship carers through support groups, training, mentoring and buddying arrangements, alongside wider initiatives such as Mockingbird and It Takes a Family. The role will also support effective planning for carers and children where Special Guardianship may provide an appropriate permanence pathway.
Key Experience And Skills
- Experienced manager with a strong understanding of fostering and kinship care, and the needs of children in care.
- Sound knowledge of the Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services.
- Ability to provide effective leadership, supervision and practice oversight to a team of qualified social workers.
- Strong safeguarding oversight and confident decision-making.
- Commitment to supporting kinship foster carers to meet fostering requirements and standards and achieve positive outcomes for children.
- Ability to develop responsive, strengths-based support for kinship carers, including support groups, training, mentoring and buddying arrangements.
- Strong collaborative working with the Kinship Assessment Team, SGO Support Team and wider partners.
- Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise and manage competing demands in a busy service.
- Commitment to the wellbeing, performance and professional development of the team.
Informal Discussion
If you would like to explore whether this opportunity is right for you, we warmly encourage an informal conversation. Please contact Rubina Payne, Head of Service – Fostering, Kinship & Supported Lodgings.
Key Dates
Expressions of interest close: 10 November. Interviews: 17 November.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work. We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive. From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need. It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help.
About BCP Council
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career-defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Our Benefits
A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council. At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce—we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people. Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at Employee benefits | Working for BCP.
DBS: BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check.
Team Manager - Approved Kinship Team in the Fostering Service in England employer: BCP Council
BCP Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a clear pay band structure and opportunities for career progression. With a commitment to inclusivity and support, BCP fosters a forward-thinking work culture where you can make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying enhanced benefits and a beautiful coastal location. Join us to be part of a team that truly values your contributions and empowers you to #BeTheDifference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager - Approved Kinship Team in the Fostering Service in England
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at BCP Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from BCP Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like BCP Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at BCP Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager - Approved Kinship Team in the Fostering Service in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to BCP Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to BCP Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BCP Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
