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SalaryMedway Council are seeking a Service Manager to lead and manage the Fostering Service. The role will also work collaboratively with colleagues across the Adoption Partnership South East. You will report to the Head of Provider Services.
We have a clear and’ ambitious sufficiency strategy, which will enable children and young people to live closer to their families. This role is key in helping us deliver our vision to provide greater stability for children and young people. By leading the service, you will continue to develop how we support and retain foster carers, to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to safeguard our children and help them achieve positive outcomes.
Key responsibilities will include driving our ambitious new sufficiency strategy, aimed at increasing the number of foster carers from the local community.
This management role will contribute to the provision of an outstanding fostering service through the design, implementation and review of policies, procedures and systems. You will work with colleagues across Medway Council, building and maintaining engagement across departments and with Foster Carers to support the promotion of positive work practices and outcomes for children in care.
Medway Council is proud to offer an excellent benefits package. This includes:
- A basic salary of £50,438- £54,524 per annum
- An annual market allowance of £10,000 per annum (payable in monthly payments)
- A retention payment of £3,000. This is a fixed sum payable in April each year, following one years’ service in Medway.
- Essential car user allowance with option to apply for a lease car after six months.
- Hybrid working - enabling you to work from home/office (a minimum of 2 days per week will be required in the office)
- Relocation package of up to £8,000
About you
- You will hold a degree in Social Work - CQSW, DipSW or equivalent and be registered with Social Work England
- You will hold a management qualification and/or willing to work towards, and have substantial management experience.
- You will have substantial knowledge and experience of working within Fostering.
- You will have substantial experience of working within a children and families statutory setting.
- You will have a proven track record in strategic planning and leadership
- You will have proven experience in budget management
- You will hold a full driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work purposes
To Apply
If you share our passion for improving the lives of our children and young people then we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Andrada Pepenel - Head of Provider Services on 01634 337327.
Please send your cv together with a supporting statement on how you meet the person specification. Your cv must include your full employment history together with reasons for leaving and any gaps in employment. Please quote reference CSC/24/020/EG.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
This position is subject to an Enhanced Children’s DBS Check.
For more information on our roles within Children’s Services please visit https://www.medway.gov.uk/childrenservicesjobs
To find out more about Medway the place please click here.
If you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted.
Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.
Equal Opportunities Commitment Statement
Medway Council is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All appropriately qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age.
