Team Manager in Leeds

Swiis Foster Care is seeking a candidate with the appropriate work ethic and social work management experience to join our ‘Ofsted Outstanding’ rated service for our Midlands and South Service. This position is Home Based covering the South area of the service. Attendance at our Bristol and Birmingham office will be required on occasion.

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB

To be responsible for managing a team of social workers and support staff working with foster carers registered with SWIIS Foster Care. To be responsible for overseeing the support, supervision and retention of foster carers assigned to that team and to ensure that children placed with those carers are safe, secure and cared for in accordance with the agency’s Statement of Purpose. To support the Registered Manager in all areas of service delivery and to take a lead role in areas of the agency’s work determined by regional circumstances.

MAIN DUTIES

• To assist and support the management of the regional service through taking lead responsibility for specific areas of activity.
• To work in partnership with the Registered Manager to ensure that agency policies and procedures are adhered to in accordance with best practice, Fostering Services: National Minimum Standards 2011, and Fostering Service (England) Regulations 2011.
• To be responsible for all aspects of Health and Safety within the workplace in the absence of the Registered Manager.
• To contribute to staff development through mentoring, supervision and annual appraisals, workshop practice training where appropriate and to allocate tasks to workers according to need.
• Coordinate any actions necessary to deal with difficulties arising in the placement of children and young people.
• Provide leadership and guidance to staff.
• Attend and participate in Child Care reviews / Case Conferences, Foster Care Reviews and other meetings as required.
• To contribute to the monitoring and outcomes including health and educational support required for each placement.
• Develop initiatives, which take the Agency forward.
• To utilise skills and experience to provide input to carers and young people as the service requires.
• To contribute to the recruitment and selection of staff.
• To take responsibility for the supervision of a limited caseload of foster carers should the needs of the service require this.
• Work in partnership with the Central Home Finding and the Recruitment Team.
• To ensure good outcomes and regulatory compliance across the service.
• Participate in the out of hours support to carers.
• To assist the Registered Manager in the service in areas deemed to be appropriate on a regional basis.
• Ensure that the relevant notifications in accordance with the Fostering Service (England) Regulations 2011 are brought to the attention of the Registered Manager or in their absence report to Director Of Fostering.
• Ensure appropriate records are maintained.
• Contribute to the induction of new staff.
• Any other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the agency commensurate with the post holder’s grade, abilities and aptitudes.

DRIVING

• Acquire, maintain, tax and adequately insure a vehicle fit for business purpose reporting any change in vehicle or insurance cover immediate to Group HR.
• Maintain a full current licence and report any endorsements or disqualification immediate.
• Obey all applicable road safety legislation.
• Plan journeys to avoid travelling in adverse weather conditions and for excessive hours taking a break at least every two hours.
• Ensure that passengers are carried only in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer’s design specification with a seat for everyone and seat belts worn on all journeys.
• Avoid the use, where possible, of hands-free mobile telephones, whilst driving.

Health and safety responsibilities of Management

• Be familiar with the Company’s Health and Safety Policy and ensure that all relevant rules and procedures are conformed to at all times.
• Identify all risks to health and safety and take suitable and adequate measures to eliminate, reduce or control those risks.
• Ensure that all employees are aware of the safety, fire and first aid facilities and procedures.
• Ensure that staff specifically nominated to carry out duties as part of the health and safety policy are adequately trained, supported and have the resources to carry out their role i.e. first aid personnel, safety officers, fire wardens, safety representatives.
• Personally undertake health and safety training and periodically review and update own level of awareness of health and safety.
• Ensure the proper use of all equipment issued in the interest of health, safety or welfare i.e. protective clothing, hands-free mobile telephone kit, lifting equipment.
• Ensure that any situation that represents a danger and all accidents/incidents are dealt with promptly and sufficiently by the appropriate person.
• Take responsibility for own health and safety and that of others by following health and safety systems and procedures and keeping all work areas clean and tidy.
• Take responsibility for fire prevention i.e. ensure that staff do not smoke in offices and cars, overload electrical circuits, wedge open or block fire doors etc.
• Be aware of how own behaviour may affect others and treat colleagues with dignity and respect.
• Report complaints of discrimination, bullying or harassment immediately to line manager/Group HR.

If you believe that you have the appropriate experience and ambition to work for one of the finest Independent Foster Care Agencies in the UK and have the desire to really improve outcomes for children and young people looked after, then please submit an up-to-date CV detailing a full employment history.

Swiis is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to ensuring that our staff have excellent working conditions and genuine career opportunities. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment and undertake the appropriate checks which will include an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service Check.