Overview
Team Manager – Kinship Assessment Team | Preston | Full time
Join Lancashire County Council as a Team Manager l Kinship Assessment Team l Preston l Full time. This role leads one of three Kinship Assessment Teams within the Children’s Services fostering service, shaping the future of fostering and supporting Kinship carers and families.
Location and Salary
Location: Preston, Lancashire
Salary: £51,356 - £55,612 (Grade 11) per annum. Contract: Full-time, Permanent, 37 hours per week
Responsibilities
* Lead a multidisciplinary team of Senior Practitioners, Social Workers, and Fostering Support Workers
* Deliver high-quality assessments and support to Kinship carers
* Carry out Regulation 24 assessments
* Carry out viability assessments
* Carry out Dual SGO/Fostering assessments
* Provide supervision of Regulation 24 carers during temporary approval
* Champion a creative, family-focused approach to enable children to remain within their existing networks where possible
What We’re Looking For
* Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England, with at least 3 years’ leadership experience in Children’s Services
* Empathetic, supportive, and driven to make a difference
* Experience in children’s social care or fostering
* Knowledge of fostering regulations and assessment frameworks
* Skilled in trauma-informed practice and reflective supervision
* Able to inspire and develop a high-performing team
What You’ll Bring
* Strong leadership and performance management skills
* Experience managing complex safeguarding and care planning
* Ability to build effective partnerships across agencies
* Commitment to equality, diversity, and wellbeing in the workplace
* A car insured for business use
Why Join Us
* Be part of a forward-thinking, award-winning fostering service
* Work within a large, supportive team committed to excellence
* Lead a team that’s passionate about making a difference
* Ongoing professional development and career progression
* Contribute to Lancashire’s vision: “Children, young people and their families are safe, healthy and achieve their full potential.”
Application Requirements
* Evidence of meeting criteria via supporting statement uploaded with the application
* Informal discussions available with Catherine Gill (catherine.gill@lancashire.gov.uk | 07866 077504)
* Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) process may be required if successful
Important Notes
* International sponsorship is not available for this role
* We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received
* You may be required to provide a car for work duties and must have business-use insurance
Eligibility and Recruitment
You must be registered (SWE) to be appointed as a Social Worker, or have applied to register. For some non-social work qualifications, appointment may be as a Care Manager without SWE registration. This role is governed by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended).
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, disability, age or sexual orientation.
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