At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of social workers to support foster carers and improve children's lives.
- Company: Join Herefordshire Council, dedicated to transforming children's services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, relocation support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant community in beautiful Herefordshire with a focus on collaboration and care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification and at least 5 years of relevant experience required.
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.
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
- 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.
If you’re committed to helping children and young people thrive, come and join the journey in Herefordshire - where your work truly matters.
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.
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.
Childrens Social Work Manager in Hereford employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Herefordshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the children they serve. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a commitment to professional development, staff are empowered to grow in their careers while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in the picturesque Herefordshire, employees enjoy a beautiful rural setting, fostering a strong sense of community and connection.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Childrens Social Work Manager in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or through our website. Ask them about their experiences and what they love about working here. This will not only give you insights but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for situational questions! Think of examples from your past work that demonstrate your skills in leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for fostering! During the interview, share why you’re committed to making a difference in children’s lives. Talk about your understanding of fostering legislation and how you’ve applied it in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! Send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm and fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Childrens Social Work Manager in Hereford
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 held. 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! Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children and families in your previous roles. We love hearing about your commitment to high-quality assessments and early intervention.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for your skills and experiences that align with the job description, so make it easy for us to see that!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing team. We can’t wait to see your application!
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, managed complex cases, or implemented improvements in service delivery.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your experience working collaboratively with families and partner agencies. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered relationships and worked inclusively to achieve positive outcomes for children and young people.
✨Reflect on Your Practice
Be prepared to talk about your reflective practice. Share instances where you've learned from challenges or feedback, and how this has shaped your approach to social work. This aligns perfectly with the restorative approach that Herefordshire Council values.
