At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Placement Sufficiency programme for children in care and care leavers.
- Company: Peterborough City Council, dedicated to improving lives of children in care.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to corporate parenting excellence.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping stable homes for vulnerable children.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the Role
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
Service Manager - Corporate Parenting in Peterborough employer: Opus People Solutions
Peterborough City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees. With a strong focus on leadership and collaboration, this role provides unique opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children in care. Located in the vibrant Sand Martin House, employees benefit from a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager - Corporate Parenting in Peterborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the corporate parenting field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Service Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Peterborough City Council’s current initiatives and challenges in placement sufficiency. We want you to show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in children’s lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully led teams or projects, especially in fostering or care settings. We believe that showcasing your experience will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re here to support you every step of the way, so let’s get you that Service Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager - Corporate Parenting in Peterborough
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, showing us how you can lead and deliver effectively.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, especially in fostering or children’s services. This will help us understand your approach to strategic oversight.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still showcasing your passion for improving children's lives.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Peterborough City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Opus People Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the Placement Sufficiency programme. Brush up on current policies and practices related to fostering, children in care, and leaving care. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also committed to making a real difference.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led teams or projects. Highlight how you’ve collaborated with different services to achieve common goals. This is crucial for demonstrating your ability to provide strategic oversight and drive initiatives forward.
✨Understand the Local Context
Familiarise yourself with Peterborough City Council’s current challenges and successes in corporate parenting. Being able to discuss local issues and how you can contribute to solutions will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the council's objectives. This could include inquiries about their strategies for reducing reliance on external placements or how they measure the success of their placement sufficiency programme. It shows you’re engaged and thinking critically about the position.
