At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated fostering team to improve the lives of looked after children.
- Company: Family Care, a family-owned fostering agency with over 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 30 days holiday, and supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and management experience required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 Β£ per year.
Are you an experienced leader in fostering services, passionate about improving the lives of looked after children and young people? We are looking for a dynamic and compassionate Registered Manager to lead our geographically diverse fostering team and ensure we deliver outstanding outcomes for every child in our care.
About Us: Family Care is a family-owned fostering agency with over 30 years' experience supporting children and carers across the Midlands and North West. We work therapeutically to achieve the best outcomes for young people.
About the Role: As the Registered Manager, you'll be responsible for the operational leadership of a dedicated team including a Practice Manager, Social Workers, Support Workers, and Administrative Staff. Your role is to provide clear vision, strategic direction, and day-to-day oversight, ensuring that our fostering service consistently meets regulatory requirements and our own high standards of care. You will manage and develop all aspects of the fostering service and support functions within our registered agency, ensuring full compliance with statutory guidance, national standards, and our Statement of Purpose. Safeguarding and the well-being of children and young people will remain at the heart of everything you do. In this role, you will act as an ambassador for Family Care, promoting our child-focused, outcomes-driven approach. You will also work closely with the owners to support children, young people, and care leavers through collaboration with our charity partner, The Williamson Children's Trust.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operational management of the fostering service, holding responsibility for the agency as Registered Manager, ensuring that the agency is fully compliant with legislative requirements and Family Care Groups policies and procedures, at all times.
- Manage and lead the team with overall responsibility for their supervisions, effective and efficient allocation of workload and tasks, performance management, appraisals and disciplines in accordance policy, training and development plans.
- Monitor the continued suitability and competence of foster carers ensuring they provide a safe, healthy, nurturing and learning environment for children/young people.
- Ensure services are developed, delivered and managed in accordance with relevant government agendas and frameworks.
- Co-ordinate recruitment, assessment, training and supervision of foster carers and employees.
- Undertake responsibility as panel advisor for the fostering panel.
- Ensure the service provides effective 24-hour professional support service for foster carers.
- Contribute to the strategic planning and business development.
- Financial reporting.
- Develop a highly motivated team and foster carer culture based on ideas and innovation, ensuring that change within the agency is positive, collaborative and well-communicated.
What we are looking for:
- Qualifications: DipSW, CQSW, Degree in Social Work or equivalent Management qualification (Level 5).
- Registered - Social Work England.
- At least 2 years' experience relevant to Independent Fostering within the last five years and at least 1 year's experience supervising and managing professional staff.
- Proficient level of experience of undertaking Form F Assessments.
- Knowledge of CHARMS.
- Participate in Out of Hours rota.
- Full UK driving licence and ability to travel between Staffordshire & Lancashire offices.
What we Offer:
- Competitive salary: up to Β£70,000 + car allowance & bonus.
- Hybrid working model (Stafford/Lancashire office base).
- 30 days holiday (plus statutory).
- Contributory pension & long service awards.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Supportive, family-owned organisation where your impact is recognised.
Safeguarding: Family Care is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All employment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and references. A criminal record will not automatically bar you from employment.
Registered Manager - Fostering Services employer: Family Care Group
Contact Detail:
Family Care Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Registered Manager - Fostering Services
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fostering sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role thatβs perfect for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Family Care and their approach to fostering services. Show us that youβre not just passionate about the role, but that you understand our mission and values. Tailor your answers to reflect how you can contribute to our goals.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on showcasing your leadership experience and how youβve positively impacted the lives of children and young people in your previous roles.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us that youβre genuinely interested in joining our family at Family Care.
We think you need these skills to ace Registered Manager - Fostering Services
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for improving the lives of looked after children shine through. We want to see your commitment to fostering services and how you can make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in fostering services. Weβre looking for someone with a solid background, so be specific about your roles and achievements that align with the responsibilities of the Registered Manager position.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to break down your skills and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for this exciting opportunity. We canβt wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Family Care Group
β¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest regulations and standards in fostering services. Familiarise yourself with Family Care's mission and values, as well as their approach to child-focused care. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to lead.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about specific situations where youβve motivated staff, handled conflicts, or implemented changes. This will help demonstrate your capability as a Registered Manager.
β¨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle certain situations, like supporting a struggling foster carer or ensuring compliance with statutory guidance. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills.
β¨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, or how they measure success in their fostering services. This shows your enthusiasm and commitment to making a positive impact.