At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop social work services to support children and Foster Parents.
- Company: Join Foster Care Associates, a top-rated fostering agency with a family-friendly culture.
- Benefits: Up to £50,000 salary, 30-35 days leave, life assurance, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification, leadership experience, and knowledge of fostering legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Learn more about the general tasks related to this opportunity below, as well as required skills.
Foster Care Associates (The FCA) is looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Fostering Service Manager to join our friendly and supportive South West team. With an Outstanding Ofsted rating and a strong reputation for supporting children, Foster Parents and staff, we aim to help transform the lives of children and young people across Cornwall and Plymouth.
About Us
Founded by a former Foster Parent and social worker in 1994, Foster Care Associates (The FCA) is an established fostering agency and forms part of the Polaris Community, one of the UK's leading communities of children's services providers. Our purpose remains the same: 'to make a positive and lasting difference for children, families and communities'.
About the Role
As Fostering Service Manager, you will 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 of the service.
- Retention and Support: Build 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: Foster a culture of empathy and support, prioritising the wellbeing of staff and Foster Parents and creating a positive, inclusive environment.
- Commercial Growth: Develop and implement strategies to support the commercial growth of the agency, helping to ensure long-term sustainability and stability.
- Leadership and Development: Lead a dedicated team of social workers, support their professional development and maintain high standards of practice.
- Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensure the service meets regulatory standards, with a focus on continuous improvement and good practice.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Work collaboratively with local authorities, commissioners and other external partners to promote the agency and strengthen relationships.
About You
We are looking for a compassionate, resilient and inspiring leader with a commitment to delivering positive outcomes for children, young people and Foster Parents.
- A recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
- Experience of 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 relevant fostering legislation, policies and safeguarding procedures.
- Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, analytical and high-quality reports.
- Strong leadership and team-management skills.
- Excellent communication skills and a commitment to trauma-informed, relationship-based practice when supporting children, young people and Foster Parents.
- 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 meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people and Foster Parents while helping to build on the success and continued development of a high-performing fostering service.
The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Fostering Service Manager in Exeter employer: FCA
Foster Care Associates (The FCA) is an outstanding employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. With a supportive work culture, generous benefits including a £2,000 car allowance and up to 35 days of annual leave, employees are encouraged to grow within their roles while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families across the South West. Located in Ivybridge, this position offers a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant community dedicated to fostering excellence in care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering Service Manager in Exeter
✨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.
✨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!
✨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, 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 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 Exeter
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:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to FCA! 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
✨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.
