At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the placement sufficiency programme for children in care and care leavers.
- Company: Peterborough City Council, committed to improving outcomes for children.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, supportive leadership, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on impactful change and career growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming lives and enhancing care for children.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with Service Manager experience in Corporate Parenting.
Peterborough City Council is seeking an experienced and driven Service Manager - Corporate Parenting to lead our Placement Sufficiency programme. This is a key leadership role focused on ensuring sufficiency of placements for children in care and care leavers. You will work closely with Service Managers across Fostering, Children in Care, and Leaving Care, providing strategic oversight and supporting senior leadership to deliver stable, high-quality homes for our children. This is an additional post created to strengthen our capacity and drive forward our ambition to reduce reliance on external residential placements and increase opportunities within foster care and kinship care settings.
Location: Sand Martin House, Peterborough
Contract: 6 Month Fixed Term
Hours: 37 hours per week
Working Pattern: Hybrid (2.5-3 days on-site required)
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and deliver the placement sufficiency programme for children in care and care leavers
- Provide strategic oversight to ensure effective and sustainable placement planning
- Work collaboratively with internal services including fostering, CIC, and leaving care teams
- Support the Head of Service and Service Director in delivering corporate parenting priorities
- Ensure compliance with local authority sufficiency duties
- Maintain a strong on-site presence to provide visible and effective leadership
About You:
- A qualified and registered Social Worker
- Experienced at Service Manager level within Corporate Parenting
- Knowledgeable in placement sufficiency and statutory responsibilities
- Ambitious for children in care, with a commitment to improving outcomes
- Highly organised, solution-focused, and outcome-driven
- Confident in working strategically while maintaining operational oversight
Benefits:
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Collaborative and supportive senior leadership environment
- The chance to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people
If you are an experienced Service Manager passionate about improving outcomes for children in care and have the drive to lead meaningful change, we would love to hear from you.
Social Work Service Manager - Corporate Parenting Peterborough, Cambridgeshire Up to £450 / day employer: Oaksec
Peterborough City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that empowers you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children in care. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead strategic initiatives while being part of a dedicated team committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable young people in the heart of Peterborough.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Service Manager - Corporate Parenting Peterborough, Cambridgeshire Up to £450 / day
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend relevant events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around corporate parenting and improving outcomes for children in care.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! In interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your strategic thinking and ability to drive change in social work settings.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills and passion. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making a difference in children's lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Service Manager - Corporate Parenting Peterborough, Cambridgeshire Up to £450 / day
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Service Manager role. Highlight your experience in corporate parenting and placement sufficiency, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've led teams or projects in the past. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to provide strategic oversight and drive change, especially in social work settings.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures we receive all the necessary information and helps us process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oaksec
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Service Manager role. Brush up on placement sufficiency, statutory responsibilities, and the specific challenges faced by children in care. This will show that you’re not just interested in the job, but that you understand the nuances involved.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for improving outcomes for children in care shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to corporate parenting. This will help the interviewers see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely invested in making a difference.
✨Prepare Strategic Insights
Think about how you would approach the placement sufficiency programme and be ready to discuss your strategic vision. Prepare some ideas on how to reduce reliance on external placements and enhance foster care opportunities. This will demonstrate your proactive thinking and leadership capabilities.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the current challenges the team is facing or how success is measured in this role. This shows that you’re engaged and serious about contributing to the team’s goals.
