At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve our Foster, Kinship & Special Guardianship service in Lewisham.
- Company: Lewisham Council, committed to diversity and community support.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Registered social worker with management experience and strong safeguarding knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 64938 - 69660 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Group Manager to lead our Foster, Kinship & Special Guardianship service in Lewisham. The role will provide strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the quality and continuous improvement of social work practice within the service.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the service.
- Supervise and develop a team of 3‑5 direct reports and oversee 3‑5 teams.
- Lead strategic planning to improve foster care provision, kinship support and Special Guardianship arrangements.
- Ensure robust training, guidance and support for foster carers, kinship carers and special guardians.
- Oversee placement stability initiatives to promote continuity and safety for children and young people.
- Lead service development, continuous improvement and ensure regulatory standards are met and exceeded.
- Collaborate with regional and national fostering and kinship networks to stay up to date with best practice.
- Manage a small budget and report on financial performance.
Qualifications
- Registered social worker with a social work qualification and certification with Social Work England.
- Recent proven experience in management, including line management of more than one team.
- Strong knowledge of national legislation, local authority frameworks and specialist frameworks such as Working Together 2023, Pan London Child Protection Procedures and Signs of Safety.
- Track record of practice improvement and a deep understanding of safeguarding and care‑planning statutory guidance.
- Experience managing a budget.
- Capability to think strategically, embed objectives into operational practice and lead by example.
Benefits
- Generous leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family‑friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- Staff discounts, including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks and development opportunities
Location
The role is based at Laurence House, Catford SE6. A hybrid working model requires regular attendance in the office and from home.
Special Conditions
- Must hold a social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.
- Position subject to a DBS check.
Salary
£64,938 – £69,660 per annum (SMG1). Appointments will be offered at the minimum salary for the grade, with the option to match current salary up to the maximum of the scale.
Equal Opportunities
Lewisham Council is a disability‑confident employer. We value diversity and are committed to removing barriers for all applicants. The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Group Manager - Fostering, Kinship and Special Guardianship, Care Resources employer: Lewisham Council
Lewisham Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and access to development opportunities, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community. The role of Group Manager in Fostering, Kinship and Special Guardianship provides a unique chance to lead vital services in a vibrant location, ensuring the highest standards of care for children and families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Manager - Fostering, Kinship and Special Guardianship, Care Resources
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience in fostering and kinship services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in fostering and kinship care. We want you to show off your knowledge of national legislation and local authority frameworks. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s not just qualified but also passionate about the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on how you’ve led teams and improved practices in your previous roles – that’s what they’ll want to hear!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Manager - Fostering, Kinship and Special Guardianship, Care Resources
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in fostering, kinship, and special guardianship. We want to see how your skills align with the strategic and operational leadership we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Management Skills:Since this role involves supervising teams, be sure to emphasise your management experience. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and improved practices in your previous roles – we love a good success story!
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your social work qualification and registration with Social Work England. We need to know you meet the essential criteria right from the start, so make it clear in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest legislation and frameworks relevant to fostering and kinship care. Brush up on Working Together 2023 and the Pan London Child Protection Procedures, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing teams and driving practice improvement. Think about specific situations where you’ve led a team through challenges or implemented successful strategies.
✨Budget Savvy
Since managing a budget is part of the role, be ready to discuss your experience with financial management. Bring examples of how you’ve effectively managed resources in previous roles and any strategies you used to ensure financial performance.
✨Engage with Best Practices
Demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement by discussing how you stay updated with best practices in fostering and kinship care. Mention any networks or professional development opportunities you’ve engaged with recently.
