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.
Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the SGO Support and Private Fostering teams, ensuring high‑quality support, assessments and service delivery.
- Champion child‑centred practice for kinship carers, SGO families and private fostering arrangements.
- Manage, support and develop a team of social workers and family practitioners.
- Work collaboratively with families, carers and multi‑agency partners to ensure needs are met and support is accessible.
- Oversee effective assessment, support planning, and the management of resources and budgets.
- Be a strong advocate for children and young people, modelling high‑quality practice and ensuring work is delivered in line with statutory responsibilities.
- Champion restorative approaches and foster a reflective, collaborative team culture.
- 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.
Qualifications
- Social work qualification and Social Work England registration.
- Significant experience in children’s services, particularly in fostering, kinship care or SGOs.
- Proven leadership and management experience.
- Strong understanding of the legal framework for kinship care, SGOs and private fostering.
- Excellent communication, relationship‑building and problem‑solving skills.
- Experience managing budgets and resources effectively.
- Strong written and verbal communication, with excellent recording and planning skills.
- Ability to build effective professional relationships across services.
- Sound knowledge of relevant legislation, models and theories in children’s social work, confidence and fluency in spoken English.
- A suitable DBS disclosure.
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave, with the option to purchase more.
- Free onsite parking.
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.
- Flexible working options, including hybrid working.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Discounts at 900+ retailers.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
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