Fostering Team Manager – Manchester City Council
Location: Manchester, M22 5RE
Employer: Manchester City Council
Rate of Pay: £40.00 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract Type: Temporary / Agency Service: Children's Services – Fostering
Recruitment Agency: Service Care Solutions
About the Role
Service Care Solutions is currently recruiting an experienced and motivated Fostering Team Manager to join Manchester City Council's Fostering Service, offering a competitive rate of £40.00 per hour (Umbrella). This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Social Work Manager looking to take on a rewarding leadership role within a progressive and continually improving fostering service. You will be responsible for leading a team of Supervising Social Workers and Advanced Practitioners, alongside overseeing the innovative Mockingbird programme and Manchester's developing network of Foster Care Hives. Manchester City Council is committed to delivering outstanding support to foster families and children in care, embracing innovative, relationship-based approaches that promote placement stability, strengthen fostering communities and achieve positive outcomes for vulnerable children.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide effective leadership, management and supervision to a team of Supervising Social Workers and Advanced Practitioners.
- Oversee the delivery of high-quality fostering services, ensuring foster carers receive appropriate support, guidance and supervision.
- Lead and support the development of the Mockingbird programme and the emerging Foster Care Hive model, promoting connected and supportive fostering communities.
- Promote placement stability, positive relationships and improved outcomes for children and young people in care.
- Ensure fostering practice complies with relevant legislation, statutory guidance, fostering regulations and national minimum standards.
- Provide professional oversight and guidance in relation to complex fostering cases, safeguarding concerns and placement challenges.
- Support the recruitment, retention, development and ongoing support of foster carers.
- Monitor team performance, service quality and compliance with statutory responsibilities.
- Work collaboratively with internal teams, partner agencies, foster carers and other professionals.
- Contribute to service improvement initiatives, promoting innovation, reflective practice and continuous professional development.
Essential Requirements
- A recognised Social Work qualification (Degree, Diploma in Social Work or equivalent).
- Current registration with Social Work England.
- Significant post-qualifying experience within Children's Social Care, ideally including fostering services.
- Previous management or supervisory experience within a statutory social work setting.
- Strong knowledge of fostering legislation, safeguarding procedures and relevant statutory guidance.
- Experience managing complex cases, supporting practitioners and promoting high standards of professional practice.
- Excellent leadership, communication, organisational and decision-making skills.
- An understanding of relationship-based fostering models, with knowledge of the Mockingbird programme being advantageous.
- A commitment to improving outcomes for children in care and supporting foster families.
Pre-employment and Compliance Requirements
- Five years of employment references.
- Verification and explanation of any gaps in employment history.
- Verification of relevant professional qualifications and registration.
- Completion of required Department for Education (DfE) safeguarding and compliance checks.
- Appropriate DBS and other safer recruitment checks.
Why Join Manchester City Council?
- Take on a key leadership role within an ambitious and developing fostering service.
- Help shape innovative fostering initiatives, including the Mockingbird programme and Foster Care Hives.
- Work alongside experienced and dedicated Children's Social Care professionals.
- Contribute to improving placement stability and outcomes for children in care.
- Support foster carers through relationship-based, collaborative approaches.
- Earn a competitive £40.00 per hour Umbrella while gaining valuable management experience.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Fostering Team Manager [MCC] in Manchester employer: Service Care
Service Care Solutions is an excellent employer for Multi Traders, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on responsive repairs in the community of Rugby, employees benefit from a company van, optional on-call payments, and comprehensive in-house training, ensuring they have the tools and skills needed to excel in their roles. Join a team that values professionalism and respect while providing meaningful service to local residents.
