Service Manager Cla & Care Leavers - Grade 16

Vacancy: Service Manager - CLA & Care Leavers (Grade 16)

Are you an experienced social care professional looking to make a significant impact within fostering services? We are recruiting for a dedicated Service Manager - CLA & Care Leavers, a pivotal leadership role within our organisation. If you possess strong management skills, a deep understanding of fostering legislation, and a passion for child-centred practice, this opportunity could be perfect for you.

About the Role: Service Manager - CLA & Care Leavers

The Service Manager - CLA & Care Leavers will lead our Connected Care and Kinship Fostering Service, overseeing high-quality support for children in care while promoting placement stability and family networks. This contract role is initially for three months, offering a chance to shape service improvement in a dynamic environment.

Candidate Responsibilities

As a Service Manager - CLA & Care Leavers, your key responsibilities will include:

• Providing strategic and operational leadership across the Connected Care and Kinship Team
• Overseeing the assessment, approval, and ongoing support of kinship and connected foster carers
• Ensuring compliance with Fostering Regulations, National Minimum Standards, and statutory guidance
• Driving service improvements to increase placement stability, minimise external placements, and improve outcomes for children and young people
• Managing complex and high-risk cases, ensuring robust decision-making processes
• Leading quality assurance activities, audits, and performance management systems
• Working collaboratively with Children in Care teams, legal services, and external agencies
• Contributing to service development, transformation initiatives, and kinship care strategy

Candidate Requirements

The ideal Service Manager - CLA & Care Leavers will possess:

• Qualified Social Worker (SW England registered)
• Significant experience within fostering services, including kinship/connected care
• Proven leadership experience at Team Manager or Service Manager level
• Strong knowledge of fostering legislation, safeguarding, and permanence planning
• Experience managing complex cases and driving service improvement
• Ability to work efficiently at pace within an agency or interim capacity
• Desirable: experience contributing to kinship care strategy or service redesign, and a track record of improving placement stability and outcomes

Benefits & Package

We offer a competitive daily rate (please contact us for details), along with flexible, hybrid working arrangements (subject to service needs). Join us and enjoy:

• An impactful leadership role in shaping fostering and kinship services
• Supportive senior leadership environment
• Opportunities to influence service development and best practices
• The chance to work on regional and national fostering initiatives

How to Apply

If you are interested in this Service Manager - CLA & Care Leavers role, please contact our recruitment consultant:

Name: Jane Doe
Email: jane.doe@youragency.com
Phone: 01234 567890

We look forward to hearing from you and exploring how your experience can help us deliver excellent care to children and young people.