At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve foster care, kinship support, and special guardianship services.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a supportive and diverse employer.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered social worker with management experience.
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 in London employer: Lewisham Council
Lewisham Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families. With generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to employee development, staff can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to meaningful social work practice in the vibrant community of Lewisham.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Manager - Fostering, Kinship and Special Guardianship, Care Resources in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who are already in management roles. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in fostering and kinship care. Show that you’re not just familiar with the basics but also up-to-date with current practices and legislation. This will impress your interviewers!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led teams or improved services. Being able to articulate these experiences clearly will help you stand out during interviews.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Manager - Fostering, Kinship and Special Guardianship, Care Resources in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in fostering, kinship, and special guardianship. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Leadership Skills:As a Group Manager, you'll be leading teams, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved practices in your previous roles.
Highlight Your Knowledge:We’re looking for someone with a strong grasp of legislation and frameworks. Make sure to mention your familiarity with key policies like Working Together 2023 and Signs of Safety, as this will show us you’re up to speed with best practices.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 Signs of Safety, 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 and reported on financial performance in previous roles.
✨Engage with Best Practices
Demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement by discussing how you stay updated with best practices in fostering and kinship networks. Mention any collaborations or initiatives you’ve been involved in that align with this.
