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 Practice 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.

Key tasks will include the following:

• To help to manage a high quality fostering service;
• To supervise and manage a staff team, including social workers and none social work staff;
• To maintain Park Foster Care’s high standards, in order to promote positive outcomes for children and young people, and ensure that social work and foster care practice continues to achieve high grades in Ofsted inspections;
• To take responsibility for ensuring that Park Foster Care’s policies and procedures are properly implemented and monitored by social workers, and that agency practice complies with UK legislation and the UK National Minimum Standards;
• To work within financial budgets and promote good practice and placement stability, to ensure the continuing security of the service;
• To support the senior Social worker in liaising with other agencies in the process of recruiting and assessing foster carers, to ensure that checks and references comply with Fostering Services Regulations, and current good practice;
• To lead and chair meetings such as foster home support meetings
• To quality assure the foster parent annual review reports and provide management feedback
• To work closely with the Head of Service to establish and maintain relationships with local authorities, and contribute to planning and developing the service in line with customers’ changing needs;
• To represent and promote Park Foster Care;
• To promote learning and development in the workforce and contribute to the development and delivery of training across the workforce;
• To ensure that Park Foster Care’s health and safety policies are carried out;
• To work closely with the Panel Advisor, Fostering Panel Chair and Panel Administrator to create fostering panel schedules;
• To attend Fostering Panel where required;
• To take part in the provision of an ‘out of hours’ service as a Back Up Manager;
• To contribute towards the development and review of Park Foster Care’s policies and procedures;
• To provide monthly reports and contribute to quarterly monitoring reports
• To liaise with Ofsted (or equivalent), including providing statutory notifications;
• To deputise for the Registered Manager/Head of Service as required
• To keep abreast of developments in the field of foster care;
• Other tasks relating to the management and running of a first class fostering service.

The package:

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