Job Title - Team Manager – Fostering Services
Location: Hybrid role – East London (Wanstead office, 2 days/week)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Salary: Up to £54,000 (including car allowance, dependent on experience)
Are you a Social worker with management experience of a Fostering Service looking for a hybrid home/office leadership role that impacts on the lives of hundreds of vulnerable children??
At Next Step Fostering, we’ve been transforming the lives of vulnerable children and young people since 1996. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, we support over 115 children through a network of more than 70 dedicated fostering families across Kent, East London, Surrey, Slough, and London boroughs. As part of the National Fostering Group – the UK’s largest independent fostering family our children families and social workers are support by a multi disciplinary team of clinicans who specialise in Developmental Trauma, Attachment disorders and Neurodiversity!
We’re now looking for a passionate and experienced Team Manager to join our team. You'll have 4 - 6 Supervising Social Workers as droect reports. They carry a caseload of 12 -13 (Mother and Baby, Sibling groups, UASC, bridging care, respite etc). This is a unique opportunity to lead, inspire, and make a tangible difference in the lives of children and foster families!
About the Role
As a Team Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in supporting our Registered Manager to deliver outstanding services for children, young people, and foster carers. Your responsibilities will include:
* Ensuring compliance with legislative, regulatory, and national minimum standards.
* Leading and developing a team of social workers and support staff.
* Overseeing foster carer recruitment, assessment, and development.
* Managing referrals and placements to ensure the best outcomes for children.
* Contributing to the strategic growth and success of the region through innovative, child-focused projects.
Who We’re Looking For
* Current registration with Social Work England, Social Care Wales, NISCC, or SSSC.
* Recent experience in fostering services and a strong understanding of the regulatory framework.
* Proven leadership or line management experience.
* A track record of achieving performance targets and driving service improvements.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to build strong relationships.
* Flexibility to travel across the region to support growth and development.
Why Join Us?
* At Next Step Fostering, we value our team and are committed to your wellbeing and professional growth. Here’s what we offer:
* Generous Annual Leave: Up to 39 days (including bank holidays, ‘One Moment in Time’ day, and the option to buy extra days).
* Health & Wellbeing Support: Access to mental health services, physical health checks, and our ‘Your Wellbeing Matters’ program.
* Flexible Benefits: Customise your package with our Vista platform, including health insurance, discounts, Cycle to Work schemes, and an Electric Car Purchase Scheme.
* Life Assurance & Pension: Secure your future with our life assurance policy and competitive pension scheme.
* Career Development: Opportunities to grow within the UK’s largest independent fostering family.
We'd welcome applications from Registered MAnagers, Fostering Team leaders, Service Managers, Advanced Practitioners, Senior Social Workers and experienced Supervising Social Workers (with supervisory experience.)
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all employees to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks.
As an Equal Opportunities employer, we celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all.