Children's Service Manager - Fostering

About Us  

We're on an exciting and ambitious journey of cultural change. We're continuing to embed restorative practice and relational ways of working. We believe that for most families, the family home is the best place for children to live and thrive. 

We're proud of our workforce and what we are achieving for children and families in Devon. Our social work teams are committed to providing the best service possible and are supported by our ambitious culture. 

About the Role

This is an exciting time to join Devon County Council’s fostering service, Fostering Devon. Our Fostering service plays a key role in supporting Devon County Council as a corporate parent for children and young people who cannot live with their own families.

Working in partnership with our foster carers we are committed to providing safe and nurturing homes for children and young people in Devon and providing foster carers with the support and services they need to look after our most vulnerable children.

We recognise that every child in our care is unique with a diverse and complex range of needs. Our number one priority is to support and promote long term positive outcomes for children and young people in our care.

As a Service Manager for Fostering, you will deliver dynamic, strong and inclusive leadership for your team. You will be instrumental in building and maintaining internal and external relationships to ensure effective communication and collaboration, particularly with multi-agency partners.

You will have a good understanding of fostering and kinship responsibilities and will be confident in the promotion of good social work practice delivery across all teams. 

About you

Advocating for the children and young people of Devon and foster carers, you will model social work practice that is of a high standard and in line with statutory obligations. You will champion restorative practice and encourage a collaborative culture, where opportunities for reflection and learning are supported. You will be creative and innovative in your approach to leadership, demonstrating a strategic and operational approach to reduce risk whilst achieving the best possible outcomes for our children and young people in our care. 

Your skills and experience will include:

• A social work qualification and registration with Social Work England
• Significant experience working within social care, including working in a multi-agency and court environment
• A high-level of written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families, and other professionals
• Knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models, and theories relevant to children’s social work
• Exceptional recording and planning skills
• A valid UK driving licence and access to a car

What’s in it for you? 

In return for the vital contribution that you make, we have some fantastic employee benefits available, including:

• Generous annual leave.
• Free onsite parking.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.