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- Tasks: Lead a team of social workers to ensure children reach their full potential.
- Company: Join Compass Fostering, a leader in child care and support services.
- Benefits: Enjoy bonuses, cashback on medical treatments, life assurance, and generous holiday leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a relevant Social Work Degree and experience in managing teams.
- Other info: Travel required; must have a car and valid driving license.
The predicted salary is between 48750 - 61500 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK’s leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
About The Role
Are you an experienced social work manager looking for career progression and a new opportunity to progress to senior management?
Compass Fostering are recruiting for a Head of Fostering to join and lead our experienced and successful team of ops managers and social workers plus support staff to ensure that the children and young people in our care reach their full potential.
You will be based at our Whitstable office and will be responsible for our South East region.
You will be responsible for leading the team of social workers, offering support and training to social workers with a focus on producing a high performing region, offering operational excellence, financial performance and to effectively deliver the organisational business plan.
You will be working closely with the Assistant Director of Fostering who is focused on finding a real “people person” who is prepared to manage in a therapeutic and supportive manner with a focus on the potential and ability of the team in place.
Benefits of joining Compass Fostering
- Car Allowance – £100 p/m car allowance to allow you to work flexibly from different locations.
- Wellbeing – Access to therapeutic wellbeing sessions with our Therapeutic Services team.
- Bonuses – Receive £200 (2 years), £400 (5 years) and £600 (10 years) service awards, plus up to £500 special recognition award for outstanding practice.
- Medicash – Cashback for various medical appointments & treatments including optical and dental, as well as discounts on a range of online and instore retailers.
- Life Assurance Scheme – Named beneficiaries qualify for 3x annual salary after successful completion of probationary period.
- Increased Holiday – 25 days annual leave, rising to 28 days within 4 years, plus all bank holidays. Additional 2.5 days each year for your birthday, a health and wellbeing day and a half day for festive shopping.
You must
- Have a car and a valid driving licence to facilitate travel to support your team and meetings nationally at other Compass offices.
- Have experience working towards KPI’s focused on growth and carer recruitment and retention.
- Ensure that the child protection and safeguarding practices are fully embedded across the region.
- Have a relevant Social Work Degree.
The successful applicants will be offered a role subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.
Compass is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As we continue to grow, we know that we must have the most talented employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our children and young people.
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Head of Fostering employer: Compass Fostering
Contact Detail:
Compass Fostering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fostering
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your leadership experience in social work. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved performance, as this role requires a strong focus on operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your understanding of KPI's related to growth and carer recruitment. Be prepared to discuss strategies you've implemented in the past that have led to successful outcomes in these areas.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commitment to child protection and safeguarding practices. Discuss any relevant training or initiatives you've led that ensure these practices are embedded within your team.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasize your ability to work collaboratively with senior management. Highlight experiences where you've partnered with directors or other leaders to achieve common goals, as this role involves close collaboration with the Assistant Director of Fostering.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fostering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Fostering position. Understand the key responsibilities, required qualifications, and the qualities that Compass Fostering is looking for in a candidate.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize your experience in social work management, particularly any roles where you led teams or worked towards KPIs related to growth and carer recruitment. Use specific examples to demonstrate your leadership skills and operational excellence.
Showcase Your People Skills: Since the role requires a 'people person', make sure to highlight your interpersonal skills and your ability to manage in a therapeutic and supportive manner. Include examples of how you've successfully supported and trained team members in the past.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and mission of Compass Fostering. Mention your commitment to child protection and safeguarding practices, as well as your relevant qualifications, such as your Social Work Degree.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Fostering
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Fostering, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight specific examples where you supported and developed your team members.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Child Protection
Child protection and safeguarding are crucial in this role. Make sure to familiarize yourself with current practices and legislation. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure these practices are embedded across the region.
✨Discuss KPI Experience
Since the role involves working towards KPIs focused on growth and carer recruitment, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully met or exceeded KPIs in your previous roles. This will show your ability to drive performance.
✨Emphasize Your People Skills
The Assistant Director is looking for a 'people person'. Share stories that showcase your interpersonal skills, particularly in managing relationships with staff and stakeholders. Highlight your approach to creating a supportive and therapeutic work environment.
