Job description: Head of Fostering
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced manager to lead within a national independent fostering agency!

My client is currently looking for a Head of Fostering to motivate and lead the North West team in an IFA based in Bolton. My client is looking for an experienced manager with a Social Work degree and a level 5 management qualification.

To be eligible for the role must have:
*Social Work Degree or equivalent Social Work Qualification and Level 5 Management Qualification.
*Significant post graduate experience.
*Membership of relevant professional body.
*Management experience at a senior level preferably within the IFP sector.
*Proven track record of delivering results including improvements to service.
*Excellent knowledge of childcare legislation; specifically the Regulations and Standards for Fostering.
*Successful management of large budgets / operations operating within financial constraints and / or competing priorities.
*Understanding of Health and Safety legislation and their role in protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of colleagues and others.

The personal specification for this role is:
Leadership
*Is visible, approachable and earns respect; inspires and motivates others, building high performing teams.
*Demonstrates the high standards of integrity, honesty and fairness expected; carries forward decisions of the operations board.

Strategic Thinking and Planning
*Drives delivery of strategic aims and anticipates future demands, opportunities and constraints; demonstrating knowledge and sensitivity of stakeholders' needs;
*Translates strategic aims into practical and achievable plans;
*Makes decisions in a timely manner, even in uncertain circumstances.

Delivery of Results
*Defines results, taking into account the needs of the stakeholders, delivers results on time, on budget and according to the agreed upon standards;
*Encourages feedback on performance and makes improvements based on them;
*Makes clear and considered recommendations and advice to the operations board.

Personal Effectiveness
*Is aware of personal strengths and weaknesses and their impact on others with ability to take a firm stance when a situation warrants it;
*Pursues adopted strategies with energy and commitment, managing own time well to meet competing priorities;
*Adapts quickly and is flexible to new demands and changes;

Expertise
*Has in-depth knowledge and experience related to the group and knows when and how to find and use sources of expertise, within and outside the group;
*Understands the environment within which the group evolves, including regulatory frameworks and applies best practices from other sectors and organisations;
*Understands how policy impacts on operations, staff and others who may be involved with the group.

Intellect and Judgement
*Generates original ideas with practical applications and encourages creative thinking by others;
*Defends logic of own position but also responds positively to reasoned alternatives;
*Delegates decisions appropriately.

Emotional Intelligence
*Able to sense what other people are feeling and able to express own feelings;
*Knowing what we are thinking and feeling, how this makes us behave and understand the impact this has on others;
*Being able to handle our feelings in ways that are safe and respectful to ourselves and other people;
*Being able to support other people through emotional difficulties*
Managing Change
*Encourages innovation and positive change in services;
*Exhibits ability to manage change constructively;
*Effectively communicates the reason / need for change, involving others in the process and assessing the impact of change.

This role comes with a good package including a salary from £49,000 - £60,000

If you would like any further detail on this role or would like the full job spec please apply and I will be in contact.