Make an impact where it matters the most – Children's Social Work in Devon.
About Us
We're on an exciting and ambitious journey of cultural change. We're continuing to embed 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
We are looking for a permanent, experienced and motivated manager to lead our Fostering, Supervision and Support Team based in South Devon. As a manager, you will oversee the provision of support services for fostering, ensuring that children and young people in these arrangements receive high quality support. Your leadership will be essential in managing service delivery, implementing development of the team, and ensuring statutory duties are undertaken.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Lead and manage the Fostering, Supervision and support (South) team, overseeing day to day support and assessments.
2. Ensure the provision of high quality support services for foster careers, children and their families.
3. Manage a team of social workers and family practitioners.
4. Work closely with the social work teams, families, carers, and multi agency partners to ensure children's needs are met and that support services are accessible.
5. Oversee assessments of needs and support plans for carers and families.
6. Manage resources and budgets effectively.
About you
Advocating for the children and young people of Devon, 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 deliver on-the-job training, coaching, and mentoring to unqualified/alternatively qualified staff, students, and less experienced social workers. You will evidence how pausing and reflecting can enable us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our children, young people, and their families.
Your skills and experience will include:
7. A social work qualification and registration with Social Work England
8. Significant experience working in children's services, with a focus on fostering, kinship care, or special guardianship.
9. Proven leadership and management experience, ideally within a local authority or related setting.
10. Strong knowledge of the fostering regulations
11. Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem solving skills.
12. Experience in managing budgets and resources effectively.
13. Experience working within social care, including working in a multi-agency and court environment
14. A high-level of written and verbal communication skills*
15. The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families, and other professionals
16. Knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models, and theories relevant to children’s social work
17. Exceptional recording and planning skills
18. A valid UK driving licence and access to a car*
* Exceptions may apply under the Equality Act
What’s in it for you?
In return for the vital contribution that you make, we have some fantastic employee benefits available, including:
19. Free onsite parking
20. Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services
21. Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
22. We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home
23. Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform
24. Cycle to work scheme
25. Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
If you are looking to move to Devon, subject to qualifying conditions, we offer a generous relocation allowance. There has never been a better time to make the move!