Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Group Manager to lead our Foster, Kinship & Special Guardianship service in Lewisham. The role will provide strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the quality and continuous improvement of social work practice within the service.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the service.
- Supervise and develop a team of 3‑5 direct reports and oversee 3‑5 teams.
- Lead strategic planning to improve foster care provision, kinship support and Special Guardianship arrangements.
- Ensure robust training, guidance and support for foster carers, kinship carers and special guardians.
- Oversee placement stability initiatives to promote continuity and safety for children and young people.
- Lead service development, continuous improvement and ensure regulatory standards are met and exceeded.
- Collaborate with regional and national fostering and kinship networks to stay up to date with best practice.
- Manage a small budget and report on financial performance.
Qualifications
- Registered social worker with a social work qualification and certification with Social Work England.
- Recent proven experience in management, including line management of more than one team.
- Strong knowledge of national legislation, local authority frameworks and specialist frameworks such as Working Together 2023, Pan London Child Protection Procedures and Signs of Safety.
- Track record of practice improvement and a deep understanding of safeguarding and care‑planning statutory guidance.
- Experience managing a budget.
- Capability to think strategically, embed objectives into operational practice and lead by example.
Benefits
- Generous leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family‑friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- Staff discounts, including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks and development opportunities
Location
The role is based at Laurence House, Catford SE6. A hybrid working model requires regular attendance in the office and from home.
Special Conditions
- Must hold a social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.
- Position subject to a DBS check.
Salary
£64,938 – £69,660 per annum (SMG1). Appointments will be offered at the minimum salary for the grade, with the option to match current salary up to the maximum of the scale.
Equal Opportunities
Lewisham Council is a disability‑confident employer. We value diversity and are committed to removing barriers for all applicants. The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…