The Role

Do you see yourself promoting good practise in social work?

Would you like the opportunity to shape and develop lives of children?

Would you like to join a council that promotes positive outcomes for children?

If yes, we have the perfect role for you!

We are looking for a Fostering Team Manager to join our Children Looked After service and play a central role in achieving positive outcomes for children and young people!

About the service

Things are changing in Wandsworth and rapidly. We have a newly appointed Director of Children’s Services and Assistant Director for Children and Families with ambitious plans to lead Wandsworth to good and outstanding. We are working with new projects and ways of working which are very exciting. This includes introducing systemic practice; being part of the innovation programme and introducing the Family Safeguarding Model; and planning to work with Coram on a New Beginnings programme for our care leavers.

About the role

As a Fostering Team Manager, you will be managing social workers in the recruitment, support and supervision of foster carers to ensure safe and resilient placements for Children Looked After. You will work closely with managers and teams across the service, you will be crucial in improving further our ability to sustain permanent placements for children and drive improvement in permanence care planning for children we care for. In addition to the supervision of the team you will also get involved in chairing and recording meetings including foster carer reviews, placement support and strategy meetings when appropriate.

To be shortlisted for the position your CV and personal statement will demonstrate the following:

• Experience and knowledge of the needs of Children Looked After and Fostering work.
• Have the ability to use data available to drive improvements positively within the team.
• Are able to demonstrate the child at the centre of your thinking.
• Work closely and reflectively with colleagues and other partners to ensure excellent outcomes for children.
• Have strong leadership skills and be a good team player to work closely and creatively with the management team to ensure improvements in service delivery across the service.

For an informal discussion contact Steve Pearson on 020 8871 7250 or by email: Steve.Pearson@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

What you'll get in return

“I am committed to developing a culture and environment where social care practitioners are valued and recognised. I want staff in the department to feel safe, supported and to be well managed and we have lots of work taking place to achieve this. I am working with staff to build a positive culture that will help to build a strong community of practice.”

Paul Angeli, Assistant Director for Children and Families

Benefits

In return, we can offer you working arrangements that will enhance your work-life balance and a generous holiday allowance of 31 days plus bank holidays.  In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops, and other establishments. A wide range of developmental opportunities is also offered.

(COVID-19) - information for job applicants

Given the ongoing situation, we have not set a closing date for this job vacancy. We are unable to currently advise when interviews will be arranged. We feel that this is the correct and responsible decision to make in these exceptional circumstances in view of:

· increased demand on the time of the council staff in response to the pandemic

· the need to support more vigilant public health measures.

We appreciate that applicants will want further information. However, as this is an unprecedented situation, arrangements for undertaking these interviews will require careful consideration.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Equality Statement

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

We are pleased to be Disability Confident employer.

Important Information

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

•  Fostering Team Manager - Job Profile and Job Description