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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to recruit and support foster carers for children in need.
- Company: Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, dedicated to improving lives of children and families.
- Benefits: Generous leave, bonuses, pension scheme, and continuous professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while shaping the future of fostering services.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in social care and fostering services.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values creativity and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for the role of Fostering Team Manager with Northamptonshire Children’s Trust Fostering Recruitment Team. We are looking for someone who understands that the quality of carers coming into the service determines placement stability and sufficiency.
As the team manager, you will be responsible for managing the fostering recruitment team within the fostering service to oversee the marketing, recruitment and assessment of foster carers for NCT. A key part of this role is being visible. You will be the front face of recruitment evenings and community events. You need to be able to stand up in a room, speak clearly and confidently, answer difficult questions and bring people with you.
Also, you will be responsible for the oversight and development of the training offer available to NCT carers in order to support the development and delivery of high-quality support to foster carers and the children and young people in their care in line with the appropriate regulatory and legal frameworks, building on the progress already made in achieving the Ofsted judgement of GOOD in January 2024.
What will you be doing?
As a fostering team manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day delivery of the work of the fostering recruitment team and the effectiveness training offer available to foster carers to support them to meet the needs of the children and young people in their care. You will be providing line management supervision and support to the practice manager, social workers, recruitment officer and training coordinator within the team to ensure the promotion of foster carer recruitment and retention. You will set the tone for rigorous assessment practice while maintaining strong oversight of caseload distribution, timescales, and pipeline risks. You’ll also use data meaningfully and work closely with panel advisers and decision makers to ensure consistent, high quality outcomes. Align recruitment activity with sufficiency needs in conjunction with our Family Finders and Post Approval Team. You will maintain an oversight of practice standards and compliance using case auditing and monitoring of service KPI’s and work collaboratively with the service manager to develop and improve practice in line with the service plan. You will work with the service manager to review and develop practice and policy within the fostering service in line with changes to regulation and legislation and in response to local and national developments including learning from research.
We welcome the opportunity to speak to any interested candidates so please feel free to email: Alasdair.Kennedy@nctrust.co.uk and they can agree a mutually agreeable time to call you. Interviews are planned to be held in person on 12th March.
About you
We are looking for someone who is passionate about developing and delivering high quality services for Children, Young People, and their Families. You will have a creative and flexible approach that will support the service as we move forward. You will have had previous experience of working and managing within a social care setting including within fostering services and as such a working knowledge of the Fostering Regulations, NMS and the legislative framework within which fostering services operate. Previous experience of working within an IFA alongside a Children’s Trust would be beneficial but is not essential. You will be a qualified social worker registered with Social Work England. This is a leadership role with real impact. You will influence who joins the service and who does not. You will shape standards at the front door of fostering. We are looking for someone who understands that every approval decision has long-term consequences for children. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore subject to an enhanced DBS certificate. It is also a regulated activity and will be subject to a Barred List check.
Our benefits
We are committed to continuous improvement, building a skilled, knowledgeable, and flexible workforce alongside promoting innovation and creativity whilst keeping children, young people and families at the heart of all we do. We really value our workforce and offer you a great benefits package including:
- SWE Registration paid yearly (social care colleagues)
- Recruitment Welcome Bonus of £2,200
- Relocation costs of up to £8,000
- Retention bonus payments for established personnel
- 28 days annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time) and an additional 5 days, after 5 years
- Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill-health protection.
- Opportunity to purchase up to 25 days annual leave
- Employee Assistance Programme - We have an employee support programme run by Health Assured, an independent, external organisation. Health Assured is available for you and your immediate family members, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and includes telephone counselling, legal advice, bereavement support and medical information.
- Employee discounts with local and national retailers, days out, finance, health and beauty, travel and eating out plus lots more.
- Flexible and family working arrangements including enhanced maternity benefits
- A permanent, supportive and inclusive management team where you will be empowered to make good professional decisions
- Extensive Learning & Development and career development opportunities
- Subsidised town centre car parking scheme
About us
At Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, children, young people and families are at the heart of all we do – in every decision we make and every action we take. Our mission is driven by the unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes for them. The Trust is wholly owned and funded but operationally independent from the Councils. Our workforce are our most valuable asset and are pivotal to making the services and support we offer to children, young people and families who need us to be the absolute best we can be. We value our colleagues and empower them to be able to do the best job of their lives every single day, working in a culture of support and kindness where achievements are celebrated and creativity is very much welcomed. At NCT equality, diversity and inclusion are part of us and in everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and thrive in our organisation. We are a disability confident employer and have a commitment to care leavers who we guarantee an interview if they meet the essential criteria. Join our dedicated team and be a part of an organisation where your work makes a real difference.
Team Manager - Fostering employer: Northamptonshire Children's Trust
Contact Detail:
Northamptonshire Children's Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager - Fostering
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Northamptonshire Children’s Trust and understand their mission, values, and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your public speaking skills! As a Team Manager, you'll need to be confident in front of groups. Try rehearsing your pitch or answers to common questions with friends or family to build your confidence before recruitment events.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Attend community events and recruitment evenings where you can meet current staff and other candidates. Building connections can give you insights into the role and might even lead to a recommendation!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After any interviews or networking events, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you on their radar as they make decisions.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager - Fostering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for fostering shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and young people. Share your experiences and motivations that drive you to apply for this role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application specifically to the Team Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in social care and fostering services, and don’t forget to mention your understanding of the Fostering Regulations and NMS. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their skills with our needs!
Be Clear and Confident: In your written application, be clear and confident in your language. Use straightforward sentences and avoid jargon where possible. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively, so let your writing reflect that ability!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Northamptonshire Children’s Trust. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northamptonshire Children's Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Fostering Regulations and the legislative framework. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about it.
✨Be the Face of the Team
Since this role involves being visible at recruitment events, practice your public speaking skills. Prepare to answer tough questions and engage with potential foster carers. Show them your enthusiasm and commitment!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Think of examples from your past experience where you’ve successfully managed a team or led a project. Be ready to discuss how you set the tone for rigorous assessment practices and how you support your team.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Northamptonshire Children’s Trust's mission and values. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding the importance of children and families in fostering.