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- Tasks: Lead and innovate fostering and kinship services, ensuring high-quality support for children in care.
- Company: Join Somerset Council, dedicated to improving lives of children and families in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, gym discounts, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while leading a passionate team towards positive change.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's social care and a background in leading service improvement is essential.
- Other info: Contact the hiring manager for an informal chat before applying; diversity is valued.
The predicted salary is between 67000 - 91000 £ per year.
At Somerset Council, we are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families. We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to join our team as the Head of Service Fostering & Kinship and Deputy Director of Care with Homes2Inspire. This is a unique opportunity to lead and innovate within our fostering and kinship services while overseeing the strategic management of children's homes, high needs fostering households, and an integrated therapeutic education service.
Given the crossover and joint responsibilities within these roles, working across children's social care and more broadly within Somerset Council, Homes & Horizon's Partnership, and the Shaw Trust, we envisage one person jointly covering both head of service roles-leading our kinship and fostering services and the Homes and Horizon's Partnership-through a matrix management approach. This will involve a Somerset Council contract and a secondment to Shaw Trust for the role leading our innovative Homes and Horizon's Partnership.
What will I be doing?
As the Head of Service Fostering & Kinship and Deputy Director of Care, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our services' future. You will ensure children and young people in care receive high-quality support and nurturing placements. You will oversee the Somerset Strategic Partnership, managing registered children's homes, fostering households, and supporting a therapeutic education service. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Inspiring and leading fostering and kinship services, ensuring statutory compliance and adherence to best practices.
- Providing visionary leadership to teams of social workers, family and child practitioners, and support staff to drive change, financial sustainability, and service growth to provide caring homes for children in Somerset.
- Leading the mobilisation of new services with Homes2Inspire, ensuring timely and budget-compliant implementation, and collaborating with agencies, stakeholders, and community partners to create a cohesive support network.
What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?
We offer ongoing support, training, and guidance to help you excel, but we are seeking someone with a background in leading change and service improvement, with significant experience in children's social care. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, reflecting the communities we serve, and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Feel free to contact the hiring manager for an informal chat before applying.
What's in it for me?
We provide a supportive and rewarding environment, with a passionate team dedicated to improving lives in Somerset. Benefits include:
- Flexible working arrangements, including options for remote work.
- Generous annual leave, with the option to purchase additional days.
- Staff discounts in gyms.
- Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing services.
- Auto-enrollment in our pension scheme and optional contributions.
- Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice, including cycles for work and health screenings.
- Discounts through My Staff Shop for shopping, dining, cinema, insurance, and more.
Anything else I should know?
For an informal chat, contact or. If you are passionate and qualified, apply now. Interviews are scheduled for the week of 26th May 2025. Somerset Council values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community. Please include your full employment history and explanations for any gaps in your CV.
DBS information
This role requires a criminal background check via the Disclosure procedure.
Supporting documents and information
Please review any attached documents before applying.
Head of Service Fostering & Kinship and Deputy Director of Care employer: Local Government Chronicle
Contact Detail:
Local Government Chronicle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service Fostering & Kinship and Deputy Director of Care
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in children's social care, particularly in fostering and kinship services. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the sector during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field by attending relevant conferences or workshops. Building connections can provide insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations when applying for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the values of Somerset Council. Think about specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to inspire teams and drive change.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to the hiring manager for an informal chat before applying. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also gives you a chance to ask questions that can help tailor your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service Fostering & Kinship and Deputy Director of Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Service Fostering & Kinship and Deputy Director of Care. Understand the responsibilities and qualifications required, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in children's social care and any leadership roles you've held. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead change and improve services.
Showcase Your Vision: In your application, articulate your vision for fostering and kinship services. Discuss how you would inspire teams and drive service growth, aligning your ideas with the values of Somerset Council.
Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions related to your leadership style and experience in managing diverse teams. Be ready to discuss how you would handle challenges in the role and your approach to collaboration with stakeholders.
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government Chronicle
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the responsibilities and expectations for the Head of Service Fostering & Kinship and Deputy Director of Care role. Familiarise yourself with Somerset Council's values and how they align with your own leadership style.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past where you've successfully led teams in children's social care. Highlight your experience in driving change and service improvement, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision
Articulate your vision for fostering and kinship services. Be ready to discuss innovative ideas and strategies you would implement to enhance the quality of care and support for children and young people in Somerset.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the challenges and opportunities within the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
