Job Description

Fostering Manager / Darlington / Social Worker

We are seeking a highly experienced and ambitious Fostering Leader committed to achieving the highest quality standard for our service.

Our organisation is progressive and ambitious, focusing on providing outstanding care for children and young people.We require an aspirational, highly skilled, and knowledgeable Manager to assume comprehensive operational and strategic oversight, leading a dedicated small team and steering the service toward an 'Outstanding' OFSTED rating.

Key Responsibilities:

The Manager is the central figure responsible for the day-to-day operations, full regulatory compliance, and strategic growth of the fostering service.This role ensures a consistently high quality of support for our foster carers and staff, with the child's needs remaining the core focus of all activity.

Regulatory & Operational Governance:

Hold overall accountability for the service. Ensure absolute compliance with the

National Minimum Standards, The Fostering Regulations,

and all relevant legislation. This includes undertaking all duties commensurate with the role, specifically leading on preparations for and follow-up action planning after

OFSTED inspections.

Safeguarding Leadership:

Act as the

Agency Designated Person

for managing allegations, ensuring appropriate liaison with the LADO, and maintaining a robust, current knowledge of child protection and safeguarding procedures across the team.

Team Leadership & Supervision:

Effectively

lead and manage

a small team, providing scheduled

formal supervision,

comprehensive casework guidance, and annual appraisals to secure professional development and maintain exceptional standards of practice.

Carer Strategy:

Be the lead for developing and executing the strategy for the

recruitment, assessment, preparation, training, ongoing support, and retention

of all foster carers.

Quality Assurance & Audit:

Oversee the entire foster carer assessment and review process. Ensure the

quality assurance

of all related reports, annual reviews, and the function of the Panel systems. Responsibly review and update all Policies & Procedures and conduct routine record audits.

Strategic Direction:

Collaborate with the Senior Management Team to devise and implement the

annual service delivery plan

and contribute to financial planning and budget proposals aimed at service enhancement.

External Partnership Development:

Strategically promote and market the fostering service to Local Authorities, engaging in effective partnership working to enhance placement decisions and achieve the best possible outcomes for children.
Candidate Profile (Qualifications and Skills)

Essential:

A recognised

Social Work qualification

and current, maintained registration with

Social Work England.

Expert Knowledge:

A deep and current understanding of the

legislative framework

governing Fostering Service Providers, including the NMS and The Fostering Regulations.

Proven Leadership:

Extensive experience in leading and managing a social work team, delivering effective supervision, and embedding a culture of high-quality practice.

Management Competence:

Strong organisational, analytical, and reporting capabilities, including the proven ability to analyse complex data, identify trends, and develop comprehensive annual

Business Plans.

Quality Focus:

A verifiable record of developing policy and practice, conducting professional audits, and quality assuring records to support children in achieving their full potential.

Availability:

Must be willing to provide advice and support to foster carers, which includes participating in an

out-of-office-hours

support rota.
Why You Should Join

A Clear Mandate:

Partner directly with the Directors to achieve and sustain an

'Outstanding' provision.

Service Impact:

This role is central to the operational management and strategic future of the service, offering a direct path to improving outcomes for children and families.

Development Investment:

We are fully committed to identifying and funding necessary training and continued professional development to maintain staff registration and excellence.

Supportive Culture:

We are an organisation wholly committed to safeguarding, promoting the welfare of children, and valuing high standards of professional, flexible practice.
Please apply using a full CV / work history

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Casual dress Company pension On-site parking Referral programme Sick pay Transport links
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Darlington DL1 4DT