Social Work Service Manager - Fostering Service

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Registered Manager to lead our Independent Fostering Agency (IFA). The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the agency’s operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing strategic leadership to deliver outstanding care to foster carers and the young individuals in our care., * Take on the role of Registered Manager for our IFA, preparing for and managing all aspects of regulatory inspections.

• Lead and develop teams within the Fostering Service, aligning service plans with organisational objectives to maintain high standards of care.

• Establish and nurture effective partnerships with relevant associations and organisations to support and develop foster carers in line with agency expectations.

• Play a strategic role in ensuring our services align with current and emerging local and national policies, particularly in safeguarding.

• Ensure prompt and appropriate responses to safeguarding concerns and referrals, adhering to statutory requirements and policy guidelines.

• Recruit, lead, and motivate staff, overseeing performance management and development plans to enhance team effectiveness.

• Implement a performance-driven culture, conducting audits and quality assurance processes to ensure service excellence and risk management.

• Promote access to services for prospective foster carers by maintaining relevant information and eligibility criteria.

• Monitor outcomes for children and young people, identifying areas for improvement and implementing development plans to enhance their care experience.

• Actively contribute to fostering panels and boards, ensuring robust management participation for quality assurance and corporate parenting.

• Manage change initiatives in alignment with evolving social care agendas to ensure service relevancy and continuity.

• Drive continuous improvement through effective audit activities, incorporating lessons learned into service delivery.

• Provide expert advice to stakeholders on policy and practice developments within the social care framework.

• Ensure the voices of children, young people, and carers inform service development and delivery.

• Participate in the on-call duty rota to provide responsive support as needed., * Life Assurance and Ill-health Protection: Receive immediate life assurance cover of 3 times your annual salary from day one, along with protection in case of ill-health.

• Equality and Diversity: We’re committed to equality of opportunity for all, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

• Agile Working Arrangements: Enjoy flexible working arrangements, including part-time, job sharing, term-time only, annualised hours, and flexi-time, subject to service requirements.

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Access confidential support for personal or professional issues, including telephone counseling, legal advice, bereavement support, and medical information, available 24/7.

• Access to Work Mental Health Support Service: Receive free, confidential support for mental health issues affecting work performance over a 9-month period.

• Training and Development Opportunities: Access a wide range of training options, including courses, qualifications, online learning, apprenticeships, coaching, mentoring, and bespoke training, tailored to support your role and ongoing professional development.

• Social Work Support: Benefit from specialised training such as Signs of Safety, alongside access to multi-agency training, research resources, and coverage of social work England registration fees.

• Retention Bonuses: Social work roles are eligible for retention bonuses, reflecting our commitment to retaining skilled and dedicated staff.

• Continuous Improvement: We’re dedicated to building a skilled, knowledgeable, and flexible workforce, promoting innovation and creativity while prioritising the well-being of children, young people, and families.

• Qualified social worker registered with Social Work England, with extensive post-qualifying experience in statutory social care practice and management.

• Broad management experience across various social care roles, with a focus on looked after children and regulated services.

• Proficiency in navigating regulatory frameworks and achieving positive inspection outcomes.

• Demonstrated ability in developing business strategies and implementing innovative operational plans.

• Proven track record in financial management and achieving balanced budgets.

• Strong leadership and people management skills, including providing professional supervision.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with experience in stakeholder engagement.

• Minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience in a relevant discipline or service.

• Sound understanding of effective management practices, service planning, and performance management.

• Commitment to equal opportunities and awareness of diverse needs within the community.

• Proficiency in ICT, including electronic case management systems and Microsoft Office packages.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Generous Annual Leave: All employees enjoy 28 days of annual leave per year, pro rata for part-time employees, in addition to bank holidays. This increases to 33 days after 5 years of continuous service.