Fostering Service Manager

Foster Care Associates Scotland (FCAS) 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. Over the past 23 years, we have supported and cared for more than 2,000 children and young people, helping to create brighter futures and lasting positive outcomes.

We are also proud to have made a pledge to The Promise Scotland, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to ensuring that care-experienced children and young people grow up loved, safe and respected, with opportunities to reach their full potential. Our pledge reflects our dedication to embedding the values and ambitions of The Promise across all areas of our work.

We are proud that our passion, dedication and high standards have been recognised by the Care Inspectorate, who graded our service as "Very Good". This reflects the commitment, professionalism and compassion of our entire team and reinforces our reputation as an organisation where both children and colleagues are supported to succeed.

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.

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.

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.