At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated fostering team and ensure high-quality support for foster carers.
- Company: Outstanding independent fostering provider with a family-owned ethos.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and health benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career progression and supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with fostering experience and strong management skills.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 46000 £ per year.
Progress Care is an independent fostering provider, rated OUTSTANDING, with a practice underpinned by a trauma informed approach to parenting using the Solihull Approach Model. We are based in Wolverhampton and recruit, assess, and support foster carers who care for and nurture children and young people of all ages and abilities.
We are looking for a dedicated and experienced individual to join our team as a Practice Manager. The Practice Manager will oversee the day-to-day practice of the fostering team, supporting social workers and delivering training to foster carers. You will be responsible for ensuring that all relevant regulatory standards are maintained through regular audits and checks, and you will ensure that foster carers are provided with a high level of support to achieve the best outcomes for children.
Skills and experience:
- Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England.
- Experience in fostering services, including direct supervision of social workers.
- Strong knowledge of fostering regulations, legislation, and safeguarding procedures.
- Proven management skills, with experience in developing and motivating a team.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
This is a hybrid working role which will involve working from our offices in Wolverhampton, attending visits and meetings across the region, and working from home. A full valid driving license and access to your own vehicle are required.
Package:
- Competitive salary between £45,000 - £55,000 per annum (salary dependent on competency criteria and inclusive of on-call rota requirements).
- 28 days holiday per year + bank holidays.
- Flexible working arrangements with a blend of remote work and office-based duties.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Supportive and inclusive work environment.
In addition, we offer the following benefits:
- Funded DBS and renewals.
- Private health cashback plan.
- Online GP, scans, physio, counselling, and more.
- Death in service, 2x salary.
- Contributory pension.
- Blue light retail discount card.
- Annual leave purchase scheme.
- Broad training and development.
- Emergency days scheme.
- Performance management programme and annual review to support progression.
- Refer a friend reward scheme.
- Annual superstar awards.
- Additional annual leave days after 2 and 5 years of service.
- Utilities comparison service.
- Counselling line through the Care Workers Charity.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Additional leave.
- Company events.
- Company pension.
- Free parking.
- Health & wellbeing programme.
- On-site parking.
- Referral programme.
- Sick pay.
Fostering Practice Manager in Wolverhampton employer: Progress Care Solutions
Progress Care is an outstanding independent fostering provider located in Wolverhampton, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the growth and development of its employees. With a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and numerous professional development opportunities, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. Join us to be part of a family-owned agency that values your contributions and fosters a culture of excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering Practice Manager in Wolverhampton
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Progress Care Solutions.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Progress Care Solutions!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Progress Care Solutions, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Progress Care Solutions or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Fostering Practice Manager in Wolverhampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Progress Care Solutions:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Progress Care Solutions! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Progress Care Solutions
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
