About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and dynamic leader to join our Children's Services as a Permanent Team Manager - Fostering Team.
As Fostering Team Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day delivery of kinship and fostering recruitment processes, ensuring high standards of practice, performance, and statutory compliance. You will manage a team consisting of two Advanced Practitioners, Supervising Social Workers, and Support Workers, providing strong leadership and professional oversight.
This is a key management role responsible for setting the operational direction of the service and ensuring that fostering provision meets the diverse needs of children and young people across Southend.
Key Responsibilities
Set the operational direction and organise the effective running of the fostering service within policy and procedural frameworks.
Implement service strategy and ensure delivery aligns with Council objectives.
Provide formal professional supervision and undertake staff appraisals, identifying skills gaps and coordinating relevant training.
Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including the National Minimum Standards and Fostering Regulations.
Monitor performance, quality of practice, and embed a culture of continuous improvement.
Oversee recruitment, assessment, training, and supervision of foster carers and kinship carers in line with regulations.
Contribute to and monitor care planning for children looked after or in need of protection.
Actively manage the most complex and demanding cases where required.
Liaise effectively with partner agencies, analyse information, and determine appropriate actions.
Manage complaints appropriately and escalate when necessary.
Oversee team budget allocation and authorise expenditure within agreed limits.
Provide reports, management information, and performance analysis as required.
Act as a member of the group management team, contributing to strategic decisions and policy development.
Chair meetings, conferences, and reviews, ensuring a multi-disciplinary approach focused on the child's needs.
Deputise for the Service Manager as required.
About You
We are seeking a motivated and experienced social work professional who:
Holds a recognised Social Work qualification and is registered with Social Work England.
Has substantial experience within fostering services, including recruitment and assessment of foster and kinship carers.
Demonstrates strong leadership, supervision, and performance management skills.
Has experience managing complex cases and ensuring statutory compliance.
Is confident in service development, partnership working, and budget management.
Is committed to achieving excellent outcomes for children and young people.
Why Join Us?
Competitive salary (£53,460 - £58,959).
A senior leadership opportunity within a forward-thinking local authority.
The chance to shape and develop fostering services that make a real difference to children and families.
A supportive management structure and collaborative working culture.
Eden Brown Synergy is an equal opportunities employer.
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