Team Manager

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Team Manager to join our Kinship Fostering Team. The Team Manager are responsible for Kinship and SGO Team, having oversight of kinship and SGO assessments, the support and supervision of kinship carers and overseeing the support of special guardians., Ensure statutory childcare duties are met, national minimum standards and regulations are complied with, high standards of recognised professional practice are delivered, and operational staff and supervisors work effectively with partners from other agencies to support individual children and families and improve their life chances.

To provide professional leadership, decision making advice, supervision and support of social workers and ensure appropriate decision making in line with delegated responsibilities.

Deliver the area of responsibility assigned to the postholder through the effective deployment of staff and other resources to meet the standards required and ensure children and young people have a positive experience in the care system and successful outcomes.

Manage and supervise a team of staff, being responsible for the appropriate allocation of work and promotion of a manageable workload including an expectation that all staff undertake a caseload and project work (eg group work, consultation, student supervision as required), utilising a range of interventions.

Ensure regular staff supervision and performance appraisal, coaching and facilitation to enable staff to work effectively.

To investigate complaints, disciplinary allegations as required in conjunction with departmental or corporate guidelines and legal requirements, ensuring the appropriate senior managers are kept informed, where necessary.

Ensure children and young people and carers are actively involved in the assessment of their needs, service delivery and review, gathering user feedback on the effectiveness of services delivered and use this information to support service improvement.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

2-3 days in the office

Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.

Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about Fostering/KInship, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

Social work qualification

Specialist knowledge of childcare in relation to children in care and fostering

Knowledge of fostering regulations and National Minimum Standards

Ability to lead and manage staff through significant changes

Desirable Criteria:

Previous management experience

Experience in Service Delivery

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

Competitive salary and benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Local Government Pension

Opportunities for professional development

Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums

Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year

Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team

Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.