At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Family Placement Team to support foster carers and children in care.
- Company: Wokingham Borough Council, dedicated to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in children's lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experienced manager with strong leadership and practice knowledge.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 57870 - 61269 £ per year.
Wokingham Borough Council is seeking a skilled and motivated Team Manager to lead our Family Placement Team. This is a key management role within Children’s Services, with responsibility for delivering a high-quality, responsive service that supports foster carers, connected carers and the children in our care.
As Team Manager, you will oversee the recruitment, assessment, supervision and ongoing development of foster carers, while ensuring the effective delivery of safeguarding and placement services. You will provide clear, consistent leadership to three Assistant Team Managers and a Finance Officer, who together support the Recruitment & Assessment, Support & Development, and Kinship/Connected Persons sub-teams. You will act as Panel Advisor, contribute to service-wide development, and work collaboratively with colleagues across Children’s Services and partner organisations.
A commitment to high professional standards, reflective supervision, and continuous improvement is essential. We are seeking an experienced manager with strong leadership skills, robust practice knowledge and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and young people. You will bring professionalism, confidence and a solutions-focused approach to a busy and high-performing service.
If you are a creative leader, looking for a role where you can approach complexities with fresh thinking, influence practice, drive improvement, and make a meaningful difference to children and families, we want to hear from you.
Our package:
- Salary: £57,870 - £61,269 per annum (plus additional £3k Market Supplement)
- Annual Leave: 31 days per annum (rising to 36 days with 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays
- Local Government Pension
- Local and National Discounts
- Continuous Professional Development
- Supportive Management
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact either: Alix Williams, Recruitment & Retention Specialist for Children’s Social Care or Holli Blackburn, Head of Service Fostering and Residential Homes.
Closing date: Sunday 26th April 2026, at 11pm
Interview date: Tuesday 5th May, in our offices in Wokingham.
Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually. If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.
Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.
How to apply: Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.
Team Manager (Family Placement Team) in Wokingham employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Wokingham Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager (Family Placement Team) in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Wokingham Borough Council and their Family Placement Team. Understanding their values and recent projects can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. This can give us insights into the team culture and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to leadership and safeguarding. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it’s a game changer!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager (Family Placement Team) in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Team Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Team Manager, strong leadership is key. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, and how those experiences have prepared you for this role with us.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and makes the process smoother for you.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wokingham Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the Family Placement Team and the role of a Team Manager. Brush up on relevant legislation, safeguarding practices, and the challenges faced in fostering. This will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams and driving improvements. Think about situations where you’ve successfully led a team through challenges or implemented new strategies. This is crucial for demonstrating your fit for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the team dynamics, current projects, and the council’s vision for Children’s Services. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your values and career goals.
✨Be Yourself
While professionalism is key, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The council is looking for someone who can connect with their team and foster a positive environment. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates!