Some key information
* Fixed term contract for 2 years - Ideal secondment opportunity - if applying on this basis please discuss with your Line Manager first.
* A commitment to your CPD through a bespoke learning and development programme
* Regular, quality, reflective supervision, and learning
* 33 days annual leave allowance plus bank holidays
What will I be doing?
This is an exciting opportunity to set up a dedicated county wide Kinship Care Team. Family and friends care is a complex and unique area of work which requires particular knowledge, skills, understanding and commitment in relation to both the needs assessment of children and their kinship carers and delivery of support services. By bringing together the assessments and support functions into one team our aim is to:
* Improve the quality and consistency of kinship family need assessments.
* Tailor the support for kinship carers to meet their specific needs.
* Improve the assessment of support needs and develop & deliver a range of excellent services to meet the needs of this group of children and their carers.
* Improve placement stability and outcomes for this group of children and their families.
You will be able to influence the final design of the service and lead the ongoing development of the service You will be required to manage the whole range of kinship work and social work team.
The Kinship Care Team will be the responsibility of the Operations Manager for the Fostering and Kinship service. You would be joining a stable and supportive management team who are very committed to improving outcomes for children.
What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?
Educated to degree level in a recognised Social Work qualification and registered as a Social Worker with Social Work England. You'll have demonstrable experience of staff supervision and management alongside partnership working on complex issues. Positive, committed, adaptable and thorough, you'll naturally promote the need for improvement and act as a role model for change. If you think you have the skills and commitment to join our progressive and supportive management team, then we want to hear from you.
What's in it for me?
We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, within a team who are passionate about the work that they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset. Good technology is provided to help you stay connected to your team and manager through virtual meetings, team check-ins and service sessions.
We offer a friendly supportive learning culture with an approachable and experienced leadership team, as well as the below:
* Small supportive teams to progress your career
* Strengths and relationship-based approach to underpin your work
* Regular high-quality systemic supervision
* Trust in your professional autonomy
* CPD with a strong focus on systemic and relationship-based practice
* A kind, caring and supportive environment
* Generous annual leave and flexible working options
* Optional pension enhancement through our additional voluntary contribution scheme
* Employee assistance and support offering a variety of wellbeing services to support a healthy work/life balance and lifestyle
* A flexible benefits platform including cycle to work and health screening schemes
* 'My staff shop' which offers excellent discounts at a variety of retailers including; cinemas, restaurants, clothing stores and insurance providers
* Gym discounts
* Discounted lease car options via salary sacrifice, along with discounts on fuel
* Generous relocation allowance
Anything else I should know?
Due to the importance of the role, we recommend applying as soon as possible. Depending on the level of response, we anticipate conducting interviews ahead of the closing date.
For an informal chat about roles within our team, please contact Lisa Walker via email
Salary £49,282 per annum plus a £5,000 recruitment allowance payable until
DBS information
This post requires a criminal background check via the Disclosure procedure.