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- Tasks: Lead a team in recruiting and assessing foster carers to support children in care.
- Company: Join Dudley MBC, a forward-thinking council dedicated to community service and regeneration.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a dynamic and inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified social worker with management experience; fostering knowledge is a plus.
- Other info: Online applications only; support available for applicants needing assistance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Dudley MBC we’re recruiting for a Team Manager to join our dynamic Fostering Service. Dudley Fostering Service is dedicated to recruiting and assessing the very best Carers to provide a warm and loving home for our children in care, both mainstream and connected/kinship. We are also committed to delivering high quality support and supervision to our Foster Carers and the children that they look after. We are based at Cable Plaza Dudley, which has the advantage of being co-located with the rest of children’s services.
In this post you will report directly to the Service Manager for Fostering. You will also be part of a supportive management team within a restorative local authority that is committed to the training and development of its social work practitioners. The Service consists of two support teams and a recruitment and assessment team, with a management team that consists of three team managers, an adoption/permanence advisor and a panel advisor.
The post which we are advertising for is the team manager for the recruitment and assessment team.
Recruitment and Assessment Team ManagerYou Will Be Responsible For:
- 5 FTE Social Workers
- 1 Advanced Practitioner
- 1 Recruitment and Retention/Marketing Officer
Your team completes joint viability assessments for connected carers with the children’s social workers, as well as full connected persons assessments. The team is also responsible for recruitment and assessment of mainstream foster carers and has successfully increased our recruitment in this area in the last year. You and your team work closely with the two Fostering Support Teams. You and your team also work closely with the safeguarding teams and the court via our legal advisers.
The three teams in the fostering service work closely together, and there is an expectation that teams and team managers help each other out when there are any peaks in work, which provides for a supportive and joined up service.
As a Team Manager you will provide regular welfare and case supervision to the practitioners within your team. You will also have access to a wide range of training and development opportunities both in house and via our Centre for Professional Practice.
As manager of this team you must be a qualified social worker with previous management experience or management ability. Previous experience of working with foster carers and fostering assessments is desirable.
For more information please contact liz.berry@dudley.gov.uk.
All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK. Please note: Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.
If you require support completing an online or paper application form and or interview techniques, please contact Dudley Adult and Community Learning on 01384 818 143 or acl@dudley.gov.uk.
If you have a disability and require assistance in making an application please contact the HR Resourcing Team via HR.Resourcing@dudley.gov.uk.
Dudley Council will check the information that you have provided against any details already held for accuracy and completeness. The Council will check, share and cross match your information both internally within the council and with external organisations to protect public funds and prevent or detect crime, only where the law allows us to do so.
The Council’s full Privacy and Disclaimer Statement can be accessed on the website at https://www.dudley.gov.uk/privacy-disclaimer-statement/.
Team Manager - Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Team employer: Dudley Council
Contact Detail:
Dudley Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager - Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Team
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Dudley MBC's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community engagement will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Dudley Fostering Service. They can provide insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your management skills and ability to work collaboratively with social workers and foster carers. This will showcase your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in fostering and child welfare. Being knowledgeable about these topics will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager - Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Team Manager position. Understand the responsibilities and required qualifications, especially the importance of previous management experience and working with foster carers.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in social work and management. Emphasise any previous roles that involved recruitment, assessment, or working closely with vulnerable children and families.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for fostering and your management skills. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you can contribute to Dudley MBC's mission of providing high-quality support to foster carers.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow all application instructions carefully, including anonymising your personal data as specified. Double-check that you have included all required documents and that they are formatted correctly before submitting your application online.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dudley Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Team Manager in the Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Team. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks, such as conducting assessments and supporting foster carers, so you can discuss how your experience aligns with these duties.
✨Showcase Your Management Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous management experience in detail. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led a team, managed workloads, or improved processes, especially in social work or fostering contexts.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Training and Development
Dudley MBC values training and development. Be ready to talk about how you have pursued professional development in the past and how you plan to continue growing in this role. Mention any relevant training or qualifications that enhance your suitability.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of examples from your past experiences where you had to navigate complex situations, particularly those involving vulnerable children or families.
