At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a team in safeguarding children and managing complex social work cases.
- Company: Bexley Council, a vibrant and diverse outer London Borough.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, generous leave, and coaching programmes.
- Other info: Disability-confident employer committed to inclusivity and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Extensive knowledge of social work standards and risk management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The team manager will be responsible for supervising, leading, and supporting a team of social work practitioners and support staff within a statutory child protection service area (child in need, child protection, children looked after). Due to the nature of the work, you will be expected to work in an often stressful working environment and deal with a variety of complex, risky and diverse issues when supporting and safeguarding the many children and young people we work with.
You will be responsible for risk management and decision‑making within the team. This requires you to have extensive knowledge and experience with professional standards for social work as well as the laws, statutory guidance and local policies and procedures and to ensure these are modelled and adhered to within the team.
Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an enhanced disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
As a disability‑confident employer, Bexley welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including hidden disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us.
Fostering Team Manager Children's Services employer: London Borough of Bexley
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Bexley Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering Team Manager Children's Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might know about opportunities in child protection services. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of statutory guidance and local policies. We recommend practising common interview questions related to risk management and decision-making to show you’re ready for the challenges of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team, so don’t miss out on that opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Fostering Team Manager Children's Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Child Welfare: When writing your application, let your passion for child welfare shine through. We want to see your commitment to safeguarding and supporting children and young people, so share any relevant experiences that highlight this.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Fostering Team Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. We’re looking for examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, especially in challenging environments.
Be Clear on Your Knowledge of Policies: We need someone who knows their stuff when it comes to social work laws and local policies. In your application, mention specific legislation or guidance you’re familiar with, and how you’ve applied this knowledge in your previous roles.
Tailor Your Application to Us: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your application specifically for us at Bexley. Mention why you’re excited about working in our vibrant borough and how you can contribute to our team’s mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Bexley
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child protection laws, statutory guidance, and local policies. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in challenging situations. Highlight your experience in risk management and decision-making, as these are crucial for the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Resilience
Given the nature of the work, it's important to convey your ability to handle stress and complex issues. Share stories that illustrate your empathy towards children and families, and how you've maintained your composure in tough situations.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, support systems in place, and the challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.