Registered Manager - Empower Fostering

Empower Fostering have a new, exciting opportunity for a Registered Manager to join the team at our Head Office in West Monkton, Somerset! Due to continued expansion within Empower Fostering, we have an opportunity for the successful candidate to join a dedicated team of experienced Social Workers, ensuring we provide the highest quality of service to children and young people placed through the Independent Fostering Agency. A requirement of the role is also to support and develop other areas of service as the business requires.

The Registered Manager will also be responsible for:

• Ensuring compliance with all regulations and best practice guidelines and ensuring they maintain compliance with Ofsted in this regulated position.
• Growing the Independent Fostering Agency (IFA) through commercial performance and profitability through the management and marketing strategies you develop.
• Managing all recruitment and development of staff.
• Ensuring all registration and legislative body records are accurate and up to date.

Brief Overview - Duties and Responsibilities:

• To maintain the company’s successful Independent Fostering Agency retaining at minimum the good Ofsted rating achieved and proactively developing the service to achieve an outstanding rating, in accordance with relevant legislation, procedures and policies.
• Ensure the successful delivery of the service and demonstrate to Ofsted how you have considered the National Minimum Standards for fostering services and the Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 4: Fostering services in order to inform your strategic plan and registration.
• To develop and deliver service delivery plans and continually contribute to business development and growth, in line with the company’s ethos and vision.
• Support with the development of policies and procedures and, in accordance with the group to ensure the delivery of high quality, meaningful therapeutic fostering services.
• Developing staff and carer recruitment strategies and delivering these successfully ensuring retention is maintained.
• To oversee the recruitment, assessment, approval, training, supervision, support and review of foster carers.

This role is subject to the successful applicant having an enhanced DBS check for child and adult workforce with barred list checks. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare any convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 2023).

Requirements Required:

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services with Children and Young People’s Residential Management Pathway; or equivalent; or a preparedness to work towards the same.
• A recognised Social Work Qualification (Degree/Diploma) Registered with Social Work England.
• Experience of safeguarding children and young people.
• Experience of working within a fostering setting.
• Significant experience as a manager with strategic planning development responsibilities.
• In depth understanding of NMS and fostering regulations.
• Ability to conduct strategic service reviews.
• Experience and ability to perform quality assurance checks.
• Must hold a full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable:

• Training or qualifications in therapeutic parenting, trauma, and attachment.
• Minimum of three years’ experience at a management level within a children’s social care/health field.
• Knowledge of service requirements and previous experience of working within children’s social work.
• An excellent working knowledge and understanding of the current legislation and frameworks relevant to Children Social Care and Fostering.

Benefits:

• Company car - Following completion of probationary period.
• On call allowance.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Staff Discount.
• Blue light discount card.

Requirements:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both written and verbally.
• Compassionate, patient, and resilient approach.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain).
• Able to lone work.
• A full UK Driving Licence, and access to a reliable car.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, and risk management.