At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop fostering services while managing a dedicated team of social workers.
- Company: Join Foster Care Associates Scotland, a leading organisation transforming lives through fostering.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible remote work with travel opportunities and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives and support foster families across Scotland.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised social work qualification and experience in fostering management.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Foster Care Associates Scotland is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Fostering Service Manager to develop and promote the fostering services and manage a team of social workers who are located across Scotland. Regular travel across the country will be a requirement.
Since 2002, we have been dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people through high-quality fostering support and care. Together with our sister organisation, Foster Care Associates, we are part of one of the UK's largest and most respected fostering organisations, giving our teams access to exceptional resources, specialist expertise and sector-leading support. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to children, young people and the Foster Parents who support them across Scotland. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, feel valued and thrive within their community.
As Fostering Service Manager, you will be expected to work closely with local authorities to effectively manage, develop and promote social work services within your remit. You will be accountable for the operational, regulatory and financial performance. Reporting directly to the Registered Manager, you will provide positive and strong leadership and management to your team to ensure high-quality care for children and young people while supporting and empowering our Foster Parents.
Your role will include:
- Retention and Support: Building strong, trusting relationships with Foster Parents to enhance retention and satisfaction, ensuring they feel valued and supported at every stage of their journey.
- Wellbeing and Engagement: Fostering a culture of empathy and support, prioritising the wellbeing of both staff and Foster Parents, and creating a positive, inclusive environment.
- Commercial Growth: Developing and implementing strategies to promote the commercial growth of the agency, ensuring long-term sustainability and stability.
- Leadership and Development: Leading a dedicated team of social workers, supporting their professional growth and maintaining high standards of practice.
- Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensuring that the service meets and exceeds regulatory standards, with a focus on continuous improvement and best practice.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with local authorities, commissioners and other external partners to promote the agency and strengthen relationships.
About You: You will be a compassionate, resilient and inspiring leader, with a commitment to delivering positive outcomes for children, young people and foster families. You should have:
- A recognised social work qualification and registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
- Evidence of experience in supervising and supporting staff, including managing performance, promoting development and maintaining high standards of practice.
- Significant experience in fostering or children's social care management.
- Comprehensive working knowledge of all relevant legislation, policies and safeguarding procedures pertaining to children's services and fostering within Scotland.
- Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, analytical and high-quality reports.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent communication and a commitment to trauma-informed, relationship-based practice when supporting children, young people and foster families.
- Flexibility and willingness to travel as part of the role, including occasional overnight stays if required.
- A full UK driving licence.
Join us in making a real difference in the lives of children, young people and foster families. It is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a highly supportive environment and to continue to build on an already highly performing fostering and adult care service which continues to develop and grow.
For an informal discussion about this exciting opportunity, please contact Amanda Lindsay on 0141 646 1400. To be considered, please apply and we will be in touch. No agencies please. Foster Care Associates Scotland is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the Disability Confident Employer by Jobcentre Plus. The successful applicant will be subject to a PVG check at enhanced level if successful for the position.
Locations
Fostering Service Manager in Glasgow, Scotland employer: FCA Scotland
Foster Care Associates Scotland (FCAS) is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people through high-quality fostering support. With a supportive, family-friendly work culture, generous benefits including a company car or allowance, and a commitment to ongoing professional development, FCAS empowers its employees to thrive while making a meaningful impact in their communities. Join us in a role that not only offers competitive remuneration but also the opportunity to lead a passionate team in delivering positive outcomes for those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering Service Manager in Glasgow, Scotland
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at FCA Scotland.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from FCA Scotland!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like FCA Scotland, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at FCA Scotland or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Fostering Service Manager in Glasgow, Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to FCA Scotland:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to FCA Scotland! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at FCA Scotland
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
