Locum Fostering Team Manager

3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• We are seeking an experienced and driven Locum Fostering Team Manager to lead a dedicated Fostering & Permanence Team delivering services to children, young people, and their carers.

• This is a crucial leadership role responsible for managing the delivery of high-quality fostering services and achieving better long-term outcomes for children and families.

• The successful candidate will bring expert knowledge of fostering regulations, extensive social work experience, and the ability to lead, motivate and manage a multi-disciplinary team.

• You will play a key role in shaping practice, supporting inspections, and embedding systemic approaches within a highly supportive and professional environment.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• Lead and manage the Fostering & Permanence Team to ensure delivery of a comprehensive, high-quality fostering service.

• Oversee and contribute to the development of fostering services in line with national regulations and best practice standards.

• Ensure readiness for inspections and compliance with statutory requirements and local procedures.

• Provide regular supervision, guidance and performance management to social workers, advanced practitioners and support workers.

• Manage budgets, authorise expenditure, and oversee care packages and reviews.

• Represent the service at internal and external meetings; deputise for senior management as required.

• Lead on recruitment, retention, and development of staff, including identification of training needs.

• Use data and information systems to monitor outcomes and inform service development.

• Promote integrated working and systemic practice within the team and across multi-agency partnerships.

• Ensure children’s voices are central to care planning and foster carer assessments and reviews.

Skills/Experience:

• Proven leadership and team management experience within fostering or related children’s services.

• In-depth knowledge of the Children Act 1989, Fostering Services Regulations 2011, National Minimum Standards, and other relevant legislation.

• Skilled in safeguarding, risk assessment, care planning, court processes, and supervision of staff.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present and influence across agencies.

• Demonstrated experience in budget management and service improvement.

• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, inner-city, multi-agency environment.

• Experience of supporting foster carers, attending panel, and monitoring fostering placements.

• Strong IT and analytical skills, including use of case management systems.

Additional Information:

• The closing date: 17/10/2025 @17:00.

• Qualified Social Worker with valid professional registration and extensive post-qualifying experience.

• Location: Hybrid working model with office presence as required.

• DBS: Enhanced DBS check required.