Park Foster Care, a leading independent fostering provider, is underpinned by a trauma-informed approach to parenting.  We are based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and recruit, assessment and support Foster Parents who in turn nurture children and young people of all ages and abilities. 

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced individual to join our team as a Head of Service and Registered Manager.

Could you be what we are looking for - someone who shares our passion to make children's lives better?

Would you enjoy working in a busy IFA who are dedicated in helping children and young people rebuild their lives? If so, we would love to hear from you!

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth of this well-established and thriving independent fostering service, which is part of the CareTech Fostering Division. We were rated ‘Good’ in our latest inspection.

The role

• We are seeking a dynamic, innovative and creative Head of Service to take the lead on our strategic vision and development of the Midlands region.
• The Head of Service will be a dynamic and inspiring leader and manager, able to deliver outstanding outcomes.
• You will need a good understanding of child related regulatory standards and legislation.
• You will ensure the highest level of service is provided throughout the registration, delivering continual development and improvement.
• You will be an experienced Registered Manager or have held an equivalent Senior Management role.
• You must be able to demonstrate how you have been responsible for leading on strategic development and operational management of a team over 10+ staff including qualified social workers.
• You will be able to evidence how you have successfully overseen the growth and development of foster carer recruitment, assessment work, supervision, training and supporting carers and their children and young people.
• You will have proven experience of ensuring services are managed in accordance with relevant government agendas and frameworks, and have a strong understanding of QA and compliance approaches.
• Knowledge and experience of the independent fostering sector specifically in relation to children and young people with additional needs is essential for this role.
• Excellent working knowledge of fostering legislation, policies and procedures is required.
• Experience of operational business planning techniques, including how to manage resources, meet business plan objectives, marketing plans, setting targets and monitoring performance management systems, processes and contingency planning;
• Understands and has experience of business finance: how to manage budgets and financial forecasting.
• Understands and has experience of different leadership styles and how to adapt these to manage each team leader. Know how to motivate and improve performance, supporting people using a range of coaching and mentoring approaches. Understand organisational cultures and diversity and their impact of leading and managing change. Knows how to delegate effectively.
• Knows and has experience of how to manage and develop a high performing team. Understand performance management techniques, talent management models and how to recruit and develop people.
• Has sound interpersonal skills and utilities different forms of communication and techniques (verbal, written, non-verbal, digital).
• Understands own impact and emotional intelligence. Understand different learning styles and behaviour.
• Employs good time management techniques and tools and knows how to prioritise activities. Uses different approaches to planning, including managing multiple tasks.
• The ability to manage competing expectations of stakeholders whilst ensuring the child’s safety and well-being is at the heart of decision making. Strong experience within the fostering sector/family placement. Ensure that the protection of children/ young people and the promotion of their welfare is given absolute priority in all activities and that critical incidents/allegations are recorded, investigated and acted upon appropriately and in keeping with the Agency and relevant local authority child protection procedures.
• Able to input into strategic planning and create plans in line with organisational objectives.
• Able and skilled in how to communicate organisational vision and goals and how these apply to teams. Support development through coaching and mentoring, to enable and support high performance working. Able to support the management of change within the organisation.
• Able to identify talent and performance. Develop, build and motivate teams by identifying their strengths and enabling development within the workplace. Able to delegate and enable delivery through others.
• Able to build trust and confidence, and use effective negotiation skills to manage conflict. Able to identify and share good practice, and work collaboratively with others inside and outside of the organisation. Use of specialist advice and support against the delivery of plans.
• Able to undertake critical analysis and evaluate to support decision-making. Use of effective problem solving techniques.
• Actively demonstrate the ability to listen and show empathy. Recognising the importance of transparency, fairness and able to take action when needed. Understanding team member’s strengths, areas of development and aspirations.
• Open, approachable, authentic, and able to build trust with others. Seek the views of others and value diversity.
• Flexible to the needs of the organisation. Is creative, innovative and enterprising when seeking solutions to business needs. Positive and adaptable, responding well to feedback and need for change. Open to new ways of working.

The package:

• competitive salary, dependent on experience,
• car allowance,
• pension and generous annual leave 25 days plus bank holiday and a great working environment