Secondment/Fixed-Term opportunity for maternity cover.
We’re seeking a dedicated and motivated Team Manager to lead our Kinship & Special Guardianship Order Support (SGO) and Private Fostering Team.
Whether you are a current Team Manager within the wider Children’s Social Care services or are currently working at an Advanced Practitioner level, this is a fantastic, opportunity to strengthen and expand your managerial experience.
As Team Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering high-quality services - overseeing support for kinship carers and private fostering assessments, and ensuring that children and young people receive the safe, stable and nurturing care they deserve.
You’ll have real scope to shape and grow your leadership style, while driving service improvements and empowering your team to reach their full potential. From overseeing service delivery and embedding best practice, to leading team development and ensuring statutory responsibilities are met, you’ll gain broad, hands-on management experience in a dynamic and highly rewarding environment.
As this is a countywide service, the base will depend on the location/preference of the successful applicant – either Taw View (Barnstaple), County Hall (Exeter) or Follaton House (Totnes). There is an expectation to be in the office for 3 days a week (minimum) with some capacity for working from home.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Lead and oversee the SGO Support and Private Fostering teams, ensuring high-quality support, assessments and service delivery
2. Champion child-centred practice for kinship carers, SGO families and private fostering arrangements
3. Manage, support and develop a team of social workers and family practitioners
4. Work collaboratively with families, carers and multi-agency partners to ensure needs are met and support is accessible
5. Oversee effective assessment, support planning, and the management of resources and budgets
About You
You’ll be a strong advocate for children and young people, modelling high-quality practice and ensuring work is delivered in line with statutory responsibilities. You’ll champion restorative approaches and foster a reflective, collaborative team culture.
You’ll also support the development of others through coaching, mentoring and on-the-job learning, promoting a culture where reflection drives the best outcomes for children and families.
Your skills and experience will include:
6. Social work qualification and Social Work England registration
7. Significant experience in children’s services, particularly in fostering, kinship care or SGOs
8. Proven leadership and management experience
9. Strong understanding of the legal framework for kinship care, SGOs and private fostering
10. Excellent communication, relationship-building and problem-solving skills
11. Experience managing budgets and resources effectively
12. Strong written and verbal communication, with excellent recording and planning skills
13. Ability to build effective professional relationships across services
14. Sound knowledge of relevant legislation, models and theories in children’s social work
Ready to Make a Real Difference?
If you’re looking for a role where you can truly make a difference and be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team, we’d love to hear from you. To find out more about working in our Kinship & Special Guardianship Order Support (SGO) and Private Fostering Team, or for an informal chat, please contact Herdaypal Johal, Service Manager
Closing date: 14 June 2026
We encourage early applications - this vacancy may close sooner if we receive a high volume of interest.
Working at Devon County Council
In return for the vital contribution you’ll make, we offer a fantastic range of benefits, including:
15. Generous annual leave, with the option to purchase more
16. Free onsite parking
17. Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
18., including hybrid working
19. Local Government Pension Scheme
20. Discounts at 900+ retailers
21. Cycle to work scheme
22. Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
Additional Information
Devon County Council is committed to creating a. We welcome applications from individuals who share our commitment to tackling inequality and promoting inclusion.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment.
This role requires:
23. Confidence and fluency in spoken English
24. A suitable DBS disclosure
25. A Full UK driving Licence and access to a vehicle **
* Exceptions may apply under the Equality Act