At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to support foster carers and improve children's lives.
- Company: Join Herefordshire Council, dedicated to transforming social work for children.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, relocation support, and professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team culture focused on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Must have social work qualification and 5 years of experience.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 59180 £ per year.
We are looking for a full time Fostering Support Team Manager to join our Fostering Service. This is an exciting time to join the Service. Here in Herefordshire we are on an exciting journey of transformation and we would like you to be part of our next chapter. We are an experienced staff group, working together on the development and delivery of a high quality service. We have made improvements in a short time and the Fostering Support Team Manager is an opportunity to be part of this continual improvement. We are proud of our restorative approach to social work - a way of working that is firmly embedded in our team culture and management style. Collaboration and reflection are at the heart of how we practice: senior managers are always available for guidance and support, especially when navigating complex cases.
The Role: As the Fostering Support Team Manager, you will provide strong leadership and professional oversight to a team of social workers responsible for supporting foster carers and delivering high‑quality fostering services. You will offer guidance, direction, and professional supervision to ensure that practice is consistent, reflective, and aligned with statutory requirements and organisational standards. In this role, you will oversee the quality and timeliness of annual reviews, support plans, and ongoing supervision of foster carers. You will ensure that documentation and casework meet regulatory expectations and contribute to positive outcomes for children and young people. You will promote a culture of continuous improvement, providing regular supervision, performance appraisals, and day‑to‑day management of team members. A thorough and up‑to‑date understanding of fostering legislation, statutory guidance, and regulatory frameworks is essential. You will be expected to work confidently within a comprehensive statutory context, ensuring all practice complies with legal requirements, safeguarding standards, and best‑practice principles. You will need to have a social work qualification (DipSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent) and current registration with Social Work England. You will have a minimum of 5 years’ post qualifying experience (to include 2 years recent experience of fostering social work).
About You:
- Passionate about making a difference for children and families through high-quality assessments and early intervention
- Skilled in analysis, planning, and decision-making, ensuring each child’s needs are clearly understood and effectively met
- Committed to working collaboratively, inclusively, and creatively with families and partner agencies
- Resilient, reflective, and confident in managing complex situations and making sound professional judgments
- Able to thrive in a supportive, fast‑paced team environment, contributing to a culture of continuous learning and improvement
- Registered with Social Work England and hold a recognised Social Work qualification (Degree/DipSW/CQSW)
We Offer:
- A competitive salary, holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme
- Team Manager starting salary of HC11 £51,356- £55,915 (plus market supplement of £5,000 per year)
- Relocation packages: support of up to £10,000
- Welcome payment £10,000 for experienced social workers joining our children’s teams
- Pension Scheme Enrolment in the Local Government (LGPS)
- Professional development: protected time and budget to support social workers develop themselves and their careers
- Career progression: clear pathways to progress
- Generous Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays
- Flexible working: flexi‑time, job‑share, part‑time hours and, in some instances, home working
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
- Payment of professional membership fees
- Pick your perks – our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits
Why Choose Us? Herefordshire is a beautiful, historic county on the Welsh border, one of England’s most rural and unspoilt areas, with vibrant market towns and a strong sense of community. Our priority is clear: to keep children safe and give them the best start in life. We do this through passionate, dedicated professionals who build strong relationships with children, families, and partners to make a lasting difference. It’s an exciting time to join us. We’re investing in our people and our relational practice approach, working alongside our improvement partner, Leeds City Council. You’ll be supported by experienced managers, continuous professional development, and a genuine team ethos that values collaboration and care. If you’re committed to helping children and young people thrive, come and join the journey in Herefordshire - where your work truly matters.
Creating an inclusive workplace: We encourage our employees to feel empowered and to use their voices to help embrace diversity, promote inclusivity and shape our organisation. We have eight employee network groups, collectives of colleagues who often share identities, life experiences or cultures and offer support and community. They also play an important role in strengthening the voices of employees at Herefordshire Council.
We take our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults seriously and expect all of our staff, visitors and volunteers to share in this commitment. If you are offered this position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check and further pre‑employment checks.
How to apply: To apply for a position, please upload an up-to-date CV and complete the application form demonstrating your experience, skills and abilities for the role. Be sure to include reference to the job description and person specification or role profile!
Childrens Social Work Manager employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Herefordshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Children's Social Work Managers. With a strong focus on professional development, generous benefits including a welcome payment and relocation package, and a commitment to safeguarding children, employees can thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community. The picturesque location of Herefordshire, combined with a culture that values continuous improvement and teamwork, makes it an ideal place for passionate social workers to advance their careers.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Childrens Social Work Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Herefordshire Council on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s all about making connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role of Fostering Support Team Manager. Be ready to discuss specific examples of your leadership and collaboration skills in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, express why you’re excited about working with children and families. Share your vision for fostering services and how you can contribute to Herefordshire's journey of transformation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Childrens Social Work Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Children’s Social Work Manager. Highlight your relevant experience in fostering and social work, and don’t forget to mention any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Passion:In your application, let your passion for making a difference shine through! Talk about your commitment to high-quality assessments and early intervention. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about helping children and families thrive.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, be clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for specific examples of your skills and experiences that align with the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing team. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of fostering legislation and statutory guidance. Brush up on the latest regulations and best practices in social work, as this will show your commitment to high-quality service delivery.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Fostering Support Team Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed complex cases, highlighting your collaborative and reflective approach.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and problem-solving skills. Think about challenging situations you've faced in your previous roles and how you navigated them, focusing on outcomes for children and families.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the team's culture, ongoing training opportunities, and how the council supports continuous improvement. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
