Service Manager - Fostering

The Fostering Service Manager is responsible for overseeing the operational delivery of the fostering service which consist of 3 teams and a fostering panel service ;

Recruitment and Assessment Team
Post Approval Support Team
Connected Persons Team

You will be responsible for the management and supervision of team managers for the respective service areas to ensure the delivery of services which support the needs of children and young people including the recruitment and retention of carers to meet the agency’s sufficiency requirements.

You will maintain an oversight of practice standards and compliance using case auditing and monitoring of service KPI’s and work collaboratively with the service as a whole to develop and improve practice in line with the service plan.

You will lead on the review and development of practice and policy within the fostering service in line with changes to regulation and legislation and in response to local and national developments including learning from research.

You will manage/monitor the budget for the fostering service in liaison with the Strategic Manager to ensure resources are used effectively and efficiently.

You will write and, when required, present reports in relation to the work of the fostering service to other stakeholders and managers including the Corporate Parenting Boards for North and West Northamptonshire.

You will be the Registered Manager for the IFA
Our benefitsWe are committed to continuous improvement, building a skilled, knowledgeable, and flexible workforce alongside promoting innovation and creativity whilst keeping children, young people and families at the heart of all we do.

We really value our workforce and offer you a great benefits package including:

2 Day Induction Programme
2 days Signs of Safety training (social care colleagues)
Extensive Learning & Development and career development opportunities
Flexible and family working arrangements including enhanced maternity benefits
A permanent, supportive and inclusive management team where you will be empowered to make good professional decisions
Local government Pension Scheme
Heavily subsidised town centre car parking scheme
Employee Discount Scheme
28 days’ annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time) and an additional 5 days, after 5 years’ service
Opportunity to purchase up to 25 days
Employee Assistance Programme
Monthly quality supervision
SWE Registration paid yearly (social care colleagues)

About youWe are looking for someone who is passionate about developing and delivering high quality services for Children, Young People, and their Families. You will have a creative and flexible approach that will support the service as we move forward.

You will have experience of supporting staff and stakeholders through change and have a commitment to maintaining a culture in which staff feel supported and involved in practice development.

We are looking for someone who can lead, as well as manage the service as we move forward and who is able to develop and maintain respectful, collaborative working relationships with key stakeholders.

You will have had previous experience of management within a social care setting including managing fostering services and as such a working knowledge of the Fostering Regulations, NMS and the legislative framework within which fostering services operate.

You will have experience of preparing for and working in services during Ofsted inspections.

Previous experience of working within an IFA alongside a Children’s Trust would be beneficial but is not essential.

You will be a qualified social worker registered with Social Work England
About usNorthamptonshire Children’s Trust was established in November 2020 to deliver Children’s Services to the newly established North and West Northants County Councils. The Trust is wholly owned and funded but operationally independent from the Councils; this provides the organisation with unique opportunities to explore new ways of working and to be more agile and adaptable in its approach to service delivery. We are developing a culture that allows the very highest quality of professional practice to flourish and evolve, delivering at the cutting edge of new innovation. 

Closing date for applications is 25th March 2024.

Interviews will be held at One Angel Square, NN1 1ED on 11th April 2024.