At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to provide exceptional support for foster carers and children.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Merton, a vibrant community focused on growth and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a forward-thinking team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in your community.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and knowledge of fostering regulations required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The London Borough of Merton is a vibrant and connected community in south London, home to over 220,000 residents across towns like Wimbledon, Morden, Mitcham, and Colliers Wood. With unbeatable accessibility to central London, Merton is known for its rich sporting heritage and bold ambitions for growth and sustainability. The borough is focused on enhancing civic pride, building a sustainable future with diverse and inclusive communities, and becoming London's first Borough of Sport. As a forward-thinking employer, Merton values its employees and offers a range of benefits, development opportunities, and a supportive environment to help staff achieve their potential.
The Team Manager (Agency Cover) - Fostering Support role is a full-time hybrid position based in Merton, with flexibility for remote working. The Team Manager will oversee the fostering support team to ensure excellent services for foster carers and looked-after children. Responsibilities include:
- Supervising a team of social workers
- Managing placements
- Implementing best practices
- Aligning with Merton's policies and objectives
- Enhancing support services
- Ensuring safeguarding measures
- Promoting positive outcomes for children and young people
Qualifications:
- Leadership and team management skills, including supervising social care professionals and conducting performance evaluations
- Strong knowledge of fostering regulations, safeguarding practices, and relevant UK laws and policies
- Effective communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills
- Proficiency in case management, report writing, and decision-making skills
- Proven ability to work in a hybrid working environment while maintaining productivity and collaboration
- Relevant professional qualification in social work, as well as registration with Social Work England
- Experience in fostering services, child protection, or related fields is highly desirable
Team Manager - Fostering Support employer: London Borough of Merton
The London Borough of Merton is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture and numerous opportunities for professional growth. With its commitment to fostering inclusive communities and enhancing civic pride, employees can take pride in contributing to meaningful initiatives while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model. Located in a vibrant area with excellent transport links to central London, Merton provides a dynamic environment where team members can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager - Fostering Support
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fostering and social work sectors. Attend local events or online webinars to meet people who can give you insights or even refer you to opportunities at Merton.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Merton's values and recent initiatives. Show how your leadership skills and experience align with their goals, especially around fostering support and community engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or mentor. Focus on how you can effectively manage a team and enhance support services for foster carers and children.
✨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 about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager - Fostering Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fostering:When writing your application, let your passion for fostering and supporting children shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives and how your values align with Merton's mission.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in social work and team management. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and knowledge of fostering regulations. Don’t just list your duties; show us how you’ve made an impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand, so make sure your key points stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Merton
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on fostering regulations and safeguarding practices. Familiarise yourself with Merton's policies and objectives, as well as any recent developments in the field. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also committed to making a positive impact.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you’ve supervised social care professionals or resolved conflicts. Highlighting your leadership style and how it aligns with Merton's values will set you apart.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice your communication skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you build relationships with foster carers and children. Use clear, concise language and be prepared to answer questions about how you handle difficult conversations or situations.
✨Embrace the Hybrid Model
Since this role involves hybrid working, think about how you can maintain productivity and collaboration in both remote and in-person settings. Share your strategies for managing a team effectively in a flexible environment, as this will demonstrate your adaptability and forward-thinking approach.
