At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a small, values-driven fostering agency and support foster carers and children.
- Company: Family-run Independent Fostering Agency in Herne Bay with a community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 27 days annual leave, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to shape the agency's direction.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives and lead a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification, fostering experience, and strong leadership skills.
Sparks Resourcing is working with a small, family-run Independent Fostering Agency in Herne Bay that is looking for a Registered Manager to lead its service. The agency focuses on building a real community around its children and foster carers. It currently supports 11 fostering households, so as Registered Manager you’ll know the carers and young people well and see the impact of your leadership directly. You’ll lead a close-knit team of 3 Supervising Social Workers and a part-time administrator, working closely with the Responsible Individual to shape the direction of the agency. Experienced Team Managers from a fostering background who are ready to step up are also encouraged to apply.
What’s on offer:
- £60,000 – £65,000 per annum
- 27 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
- Office base in Herne Bay, with working arrangements to be agreed with the successful candidate
- The chance to lead a small, values-driven agency where your influence is felt across the whole service
The Role:
You will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the agency, making sure practice stays excellent, safe and compliant. Key responsibilities include:
- Registering with Ofsted as Registered Manager and making sure the service meets the Fostering Services Regulations 2011 and National Minimum Standards
- Acting as the agency’s Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Overseeing initial home visits, allocating Form F assessments and monitoring progress against timescales
- Supervising and supporting the Supervising Social Workers, maintaining high standards of recording and practice
- Leading the training and development programme for staff and foster carers
- Working with the Panel Chair and Responsible Individual on practice issues, and reviewing the Statement of Purpose, Children’s Guide and policies
- Managing quality assurance, monitoring and reporting, including reports to Ofsted
- Handling complaints, allegations and safeguarding concerns in line with agency procedures
- Carrying out supervision, probation reviews and annual appraisals for staff
- Taking part in the out-of-hours rota
What You’ll Need:
- A recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England
- At least 2 years’ experience relevant to fostering within the last 5 years
- At least 1 year’s experience supervising and managing professional staff
- The ability to satisfy Ofsted as a Registered Manager
- Thorough knowledge of the Fostering Services Regulations 2011, the NMS and Ofsted requirements
- A Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management or equivalent, or a willingness to work towards it
- Strong leadership skills, including recruitment, supervision and performance management
- Good analytical, reporting and organisational skills, with the ability to stay calm under pressure
- Must hold a full UK Driving Licence
Registered Fostering Manager in Herne Bay employer: Sparks Resourcing
As a Registered Fostering Manager with our small, Therapeutic Independent fostering agency, you will be part of a supportive and dedicated team focused on achieving the best outcomes for children and young people. Enjoy the flexibility of remote work while benefiting from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a commitment to professional development through supervision and bonuses. Our culture prioritises employee well-being and growth, making it an excellent place for those passionate about fostering and making a difference in the lives of families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Registered Fostering Manager in Herne Bay
✨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 Sparks Resourcing.
✨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 Sparks Resourcing!
✨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 Sparks Resourcing, 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 Sparks Resourcing 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 Registered Fostering Manager in Herne Bay
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 Sparks Resourcing:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Sparks Resourcing! 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 Sparks Resourcing
✨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.
