Team Manager-Fostering

Role: Team Manager

Location: Devon County Council

Team: Fostering

Pay: Up to £44 ph

Contract: Full-time Locum

In the office: Hybrid

About the Role
Devon County Council is seeking an experienced Team Manager to lead our Fostering Team. This pivotal role is responsible for overseeing the support and development of foster carers, as well as ensuring the well-being and stability of children in foster placements. As Team Manager, you will manage a dedicated team of social workers and work closely with other professionals to deliver safe, high-quality fostering services across Devon.

The ideal candidate will bring robust management experience, a passion for fostering, and a commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children and young people. Your expertise will guide the team in assessing, training, and supporting foster carers, while ensuring that fostering services align with Devon’s commitment to safeguarding and family stability.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead, motivate, and manage a team of fostering social workers to ensure effective support and guidance for foster carers and children.

  • Oversee assessments and reviews of foster placements, ensuring that high standards of care are maintained and documented in line with statutory requirements.

  • Collaborate with other local authority teams and external agencies, including health, education, and therapeutic services, to provide a holistic approach to foster care.

  • Manage and allocate resources effectively to ensure high standards of service delivery, promoting best practices within the team.

  • Provide regular supervision and development opportunities for team members to support continuous learning and professional growth.

  • Conduct quality assurance reviews, ensuring that all fostering assessments, support plans, and case files are up to date and comply with regulatory guidelines.

  • Act as a key decision-maker in complex cases, applying critical thinking and fostering best practices to ensure child-centered placements.

About You

We are looking for a compassionate and resilient leader who has:

  • Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and current Social Work England registration.

  • Experience: Proven experience in a senior social work role within fostering or children’s services, with prior experience as a manager or advanced practitioner preferred.

  • Skills: Strong leadership, decision-making, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage a diverse team and workload effectively.

  • Attributes: A commitment to safeguarding, exceptional communication, and a collaborative approach to working with foster carers, children, and partner agencies.

What We Offer

  • Competitive Pay: Up to £44 per hour, reflecting the senior responsibilities and expertise required for this role.

  • Professional Development: Access to ongoing training, workshops, and development opportunities to support career growth.

  • Supportive Environment: Join a team with a strong focus on collaboration, with access to supervision and resources to help you excel in your role.

  • Flexible Working: Hybrid work options to support a healthy work-life balance, with some on-site work required for team and case management.

Why choose Sheldon Phillips to find your next role? It's simple: we're not pushy or overly persistent. We understand that you want to be heard. Our priority is to proactively seek the roles you desire, not just the ones that benefit us financially.

Our success comes from making your job search our top priority.

Interested in learning more about the Team Manager role in Devon? Contact Fred Thomas at 01635 226350.

Plus, refer a friend to us, and if we place them, you'll receive a generous £300 referral bonus (terms and conditions apply).