At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team supporting families affected by adoption and improve adoption practices.
- Company: Join Central Bedfordshire Council's Adoption Connects, a regional agency making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a commitment to personal development.
- Other info: Flexible employer with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in the lives of children and families through inspiring leadership.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification, experience in adoption, and strong management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51471 - 55585 £ per year.
Team: Adoption Support
Job Family: Enabling M - CBG13
Salary: £51,471 - £55,585 per annum pro rata plus MRS £4,600 per annum pro rata
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: You will be expected to attend a CBC/MKCC office location as often as needed to carry out your role, which will be no less than once per month.
Contract Type: Permanent - Hybrid
Closing Date: 29th June 2026
Interview Date: 3rd July 2026
About the role: Do you see yourself making a positive difference in the lives of those affected by adoption? If yes, we have the perfect role for you! Adoption Connects is a Regional Adoption agency providing a range of adoption services for Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes City Councils and we are looking for a passionate and dedicated Adoption Team Manager to join us.
As the Team Manager, you will lead a regional team responsible for assessing and supporting families post adoption order. This includes ongoing development of our support offer across the region, supervision of social workers and working with colleagues and stakeholders to improve and modernise adoption practice. You will monitor service delivery and practice and measure performance against national standards.
We are seeking a highly skilled, driven, experienced Team Manager to shape service delivery, implement practice delivery in line with the modernisation of adoption and inspire and lead the team to provide quality timely assessment and support to those affected by adoption.
The post holder will have:
- A Social Work Qualification (degree or equivalent) and current registration with Social Work England.
- At least two years’ experience relevant to adoption within the past five years.
- At least one years’ experience supervising and managing professional staff.
- In-depth knowledge and experience of childcare law and practice.
- The ability to analyse complex information to make recommendations and informed decisions.
- Competent IT skills.
- The ability to drive and have access to a vehicle in order to travel around the region when required.
- Experience of commissioning.
- An understanding of adoption related therapy.
The post holder will demonstrate:
- Inspirational leadership and effective management to promote best outcomes for those affected by adoption in line with the regulations.
- A commitment to cultivating and sustaining excellent working relationships.
- An enthusiasm for partnership working.
- A commitment to services that meet the needs of the adoption community.
- Skills in presenting complex information in writing and in person, with confident analysis and decision making.
- Experience of Case Management systems and ensuring robust management oversight to drive performance.
- Flexibility to meet the needs of the service including evenings and weekends.
- Commitment to team and personal development, with the ability to create a high challenge, high support environment that drives growth in Adoption Support services.
- Commitment to understanding the lived experiences of those affected by adoption to deliver services.
Our Offer: We have a number of rewards and benefits available to our staff, to view these please visit our Rewards and Benefits page.
Our aspiration is to be a truly flexible employer. We welcome discussion on location, hours and working pattern as part of the application process.
Safeguarding: Central Bedfordshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, volunteers and contractors to share this commitment. This post is subject to the disclosure of criminal records.
To maintain a fair and consistent approach for applicants, it is Central Bedfordshire Council's policy to only consider applications made via our online application system and we therefore thank you for not submitting your application offline.
Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship for our roles. Successful applicants that may require a visa will need to consider the options for obtaining and/or maintaining the legal right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the contract offered.
Career opportunities Team Manager - Adoption Support - Children and Families employer: Central Bedfordshire Council
Central Bedfordshire Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of children and families affected by adoption. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture, we empower our team members to thrive while delivering high-quality services. Join us in a role that not only offers competitive remuneration but also the opportunity to lead meaningful change in our community.
Contact Details:
Central Bedfordshire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Career opportunities Team Manager - Adoption Support - Children and Families
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Central Bedfordshire Council and Adoption Connects. Understand their values, mission, and the specific challenges they face in adoption support. This knowledge will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. This insider info can give you a leg up and help you make valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role's requirements, especially around leadership and managing teams. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, so you can impress during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to showcase your passion! During the interview, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to improving the lives of those affected by adoption. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Career opportunities Team Manager - Adoption Support - Children and Families
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for making a difference in the lives of those affected by adoption shine through. We want to see how your experiences and values align with our mission at Adoption Connects.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in adoption support and management. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and understanding of childcare law.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to present complex information, as this reflects your ability to communicate effectively, which is crucial for the role.
Apply Online:Remember, we only accept applications through our online system. So, make sure to submit your application there to ensure it gets considered. It’s super easy, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Central Bedfordshire Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of adoption practices and childcare law. Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in adoption support services, as well as the specific needs of families post-adoption. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Team Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in challenging situations. Highlight your experience in inspiring and developing staff, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Complex Cases
Expect questions that require you to analyse complex information and make informed decisions. Think of specific cases you've handled where you had to navigate difficult situations or make tough calls. This will showcase your critical thinking and decision-making skills.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and goals.
