We are looking for a dedicated and dependable Team Manager for our office in Bedford Borough The successful applicant will be working with a team of social workers, foster carers and looked after children throughout the borough and where necessary outside of the county, hence willingness to travel and use of a car is essential.

The applicant must have a minimum of 3 years management experience in the fostering sector and be SWE registered. The successful applicant will have exceptional interpersonal skills, and a proven track record of managing teams successfully.

We work hard to achieve positive and sustainable changes in children’s lives and support our foster families to a very high standard. The successful applicant must have a passion for children and young people, excellent organisational skills and able to meet deadlines often under pressure. To supervise a growing staff team and possess excellent communication skills and the ability to analyse situations accurately.

The job description includes the following aspects:
· Supervision of a team of 7 social workers;
· Leading and managing a variety of       organisational meetings such as team   meetings, group supervisions, carer support   groups, appraisal meetings, etc
· Supporting the recruitment process of new foster families;
· Quality Assurance aspects relating to various areas of the agency;
· Conducting audits and ensuring statutory requirements are met at all times;
· Monitoring and complying with all safeguarding aspects;
· Participation in delivering of training for foster carers;
· Flexible working and out of hours support to carers.

Supporting with the delivery of a Systemic Social Work practice model adopted by Bedford Borough

If you would like to be part of our team, please get in contact with us. We look forward to hearing from you.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If your application is successful you will be required to declare any spent and unspent convictions, adult cautions (simple or conditional) that are not "protected" as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).

How to apply

Please upload a current CV and a document detailing how you meet the selection criteria for the role.  The selection criteria can be found in the job profile below.  Optional CV and selection criteria templates are provided below.  If you do not upload both documents the panel may be unable to score your application.

Please note:

The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of:

·         a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving)

·         a local government pension

unless the appointment in business critical

For further information, please email recruitment.team@bedford.gov.uk

FTE Salary: £53,227 - £56,543.

Plus MRS £3,000 per annum (subject to annual review)

Plus welcome & retention payments