At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to support Kinship carers and deliver impactful assessments.
- Company: Join Lancashire County Council, a forward-thinking fostering service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping the future of fostering.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with leadership experience and a commitment to making an impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression in a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 47000 £ per year.
Overview
Team Manager – Kinship Assessment Team | Preston | Full time
Join Lancashire County Council as a Team Manager l Kinship Assessment Team l Preston l Full time. This role leads one of three Kinship Assessment Teams within the Children’s Services fostering service, shaping the future of fostering and supporting Kinship carers and families.
Location and Salary
Location: Preston, Lancashire
Salary: £51,356 – £55,612 (Grade 11) per annum. Contract: Full-time, Permanent, 37 hours per week
Responsibilities
- Lead a multidisciplinary team of Senior Practitioners, Social Workers, and Fostering Support Workers
- Deliver high-quality assessments and support to Kinship carers
- Carry out Regulation 24 assessments
- Carry out viability assessments
- Carry out Dual SGO/Fostering assessments
- Provide supervision of Regulation 24 carers during temporary approval
- Champion a creative, family-focused approach to enable children to remain within their existing networks where possible
What We’re Looking For
- Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England, with at least 3 years’ leadership experience in Children’s Services
- Empathetic, supportive, and driven to make a difference
- Experience in children’s social care or fostering
- Knowledge of fostering regulations and assessment frameworks
- Skilled in trauma-informed practice and reflective supervision
- Able to inspire and develop a high-performing team
What You’ll Bring
- Strong leadership and performance management skills
- Experience managing complex safeguarding and care planning
- Ability to build effective partnerships across agencies
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and wellbeing in the workplace
- A car insured for business use
Why Join Us
- Be part of a forward-thinking, award-winning fostering service
- Work within a large, supportive team committed to excellence
- Lead a team that’s passionate about making a difference
- Ongoing professional development and career progression
- Contribute to Lancashire’s vision: “Children, young people and their families are safe, healthy and achieve their full potential.”
Application Requirements
- Evidence of meeting criteria via supporting statement uploaded with the application
- Informal discussions available with Catherine Gill (catherine.gill@lancashire.gov.uk | 07866 077504)
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) process may be required if successful
Important Notes
- International sponsorship is not available for this role
- We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received
- You may be required to provide a car for work duties and must have business-use insurance
Eligibility and Recruitment
You must be registered (SWE) to be appointed as a Social Worker, or have applied to register. For some non-social work qualifications, appointment may be as a Care Manager without SWE registration. This role is governed by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended).
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, disability, age or sexual orientation.
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Team Manager l Kinship Assessment Team l Preston l Full time employer: Lancashire County Council
Contact Detail:
Lancashire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager l Kinship Assessment Team l Preston l Full time
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care field, especially those who might know about opportunities at Lancashire County Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Kinship Assessment Team and understanding their values. We want to see how you can contribute to their mission of supporting families and children, so be ready to share your ideas!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and developed teams in the past. We love hearing about your experiences in fostering a positive work environment!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager l Kinship Assessment Team l Preston l Full time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for fostering and supporting families shine through. We want to see how driven you are to make a difference in children's lives!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership and social work expertise.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you bring to the table. Avoid fluff and focus on what matters!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of kinship assessments and fostering regulations. Brush up on your knowledge of Regulation 24 assessments and dual SGO/fostering assessments, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in Children’s Services. Think about times when you’ve inspired a team or managed complex safeguarding cases, and be ready to discuss how you can bring that expertise to the role.
✨Emphasise Empathy and Support
This role requires a compassionate approach. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve supported kinship carers and families in the past, and how you plan to champion a family-focused approach in your new position.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. Consider asking about the team dynamics or ongoing professional development opportunities within the fostering service.