Responsible To: Responsible Individual
Location: Thrive Fostering Office, 2 Floor, 1-9 St. Ann’s Road, HA1 1LQ
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive
Job Purpose
The Team Manager will support the Registered Manager in leading and managing Fostering UK’s fostering service. This includes the supervision of social workers and administrative staff, oversight of foster carer assessments and reviews, quality assurance, and strategic development. The postholder will ensure the delivery of a high-quality, child-centered fostering service that meets or exceeds regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Supervision
Line manage and supervise a team of Supervising Social Workers (SSWs) & Administrative Support Staff.
Provide guidance, direction, and challenge to ensure high standards of practice and accountability.
Oversee staff performance, probation, appraisal, and where necessary, performance management processes.
Deputise for the Registered Manager as required.
Foster Carer Assessment & Review
Manage the assessment of prospective foster carers, ensuring compliance with agency standards and statutory timescales.
Supervise Form F assessments and maintain quality assurance of reports.
Line manage the Assessment Administrator ensuring that Statutory checks are completed within the required timescales.
Manage the annual review process for foster carers, ensuring timely completion and quality reporting.
Panel & Quality Assurance
Collaborate with the Panel Chair and Panel Administrator to schedule and prepare for panel meetings.
Monitor and improve service quality through regular audits, QA reports, and reflective learning.
Practice Development
Lead reflective practice groups to support continuous learning and development.
Promote evidence informed practice and contribute to the development and delivery of staff training.
Support the implementation and review of agency policies and procedures.
Placement Oversight
Manage the Placement Officer to ensure effective and appropriate matching of children with foster carers.
Monitor placement stability and outcomes, promoting good practice and placement security.
Safeguarding
Promote and uphold the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people at all times.
Ensure staff and foster carers comply with safeguarding policies and complete mandatory training.
Liaise with multi-agency partners, including LADOs, and provide safeguarding data to the Registered Manager and Ofsted as required.
Ensure fostering household records and statutory checks are maintained and up to date.
Strategic & Operational Management
Contribute to strategic planning and service development to support the Senior Management Team.
Work within allocated budgets and support financial sustainability.
Liaise with Ofsted and other regulatory bodies, including statutory notifications.
Represent and promote the agency with local authorities and external stakeholders.
Out-of-Hours Support
Participate in the rota for the out-of-hours service.
Additional Responsibilities
Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Data Protection, and confidentiality policies.
Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the role.
Demonstrate commitment to the ethos and values of Fostering UK.
Maintain flexibility to meet service needs, including occasional evening and weekend work.
Hold a full UK driving license and meet travel requirements of the role.
Person Specification Essential
* Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
* Experience as a Team Manager.
* Significant experience in fostering services and team management.
* Strong understanding of fostering regulations, safeguarding, and child development.
* Proven ability to lead reflective practice and quality assurance processes.
* Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
Desirable
* Knowledge of trauma-informed and therapeutic fostering approaches.
* Experience in placement matching and strategic planning.
What We Offer
* Annual Growth/Development Bonus
* 28 Days Annual Leave including Bank Holidays
* Professional Supervision & CPD Opportunities
* Pension Scheme
Please note: This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and robust vetting procedures
Salary description
£45000.00 - £55000.00 per year