We are looking for an inspiring Fostering Service Manager to lead our dynamic Fostering Service. You’ll lead the team in recruiting and supporting Foster Carers, Kinship Carers and Special Guardians. This is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of a fantastic team who go above and beyond in providing safe and loving homes for children and young people.

We’re seeking someone with ambition, creativity and proven leadership experience in Children’s Services who will continue to develop the service and maintain the exceptional work that happens every day.

City of York’s Children’s services are judged as ‘outstanding’ and we are playing our part in fostering and also committed to doing more for our outstanding fostering community.

You’ll work collaboratively with a range of colleagues to drive innovation and excellence. This is your opportunity to make a real difference and help us expand opportunities for children and young people across the City of York.

The successful candidate will have strategic and operational oversight and management of the service and have the opportunity to be creative and innovative in your approach, as we continue to seek new ways of providing care and supporting our carers to flourish.

We have a strong and committed senior leadership team who work closely together in our relentless efforts to improve outcomes for children, young people and their families.

Everything about what we do is grounded in our practice framework and meaningful measures, considering “is this good enough for my child” in everything we do. 

The Council is committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives and a reward package which recognises your contribution. We can offer flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development. In addition we also offer a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.

City of York Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We require the successful candidate to undertake an enhanced Criminal Record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

As this role is public facing, applicants will need to demonstrate, at interview, their competency to converse and provide advice and guidance to members of the public, in spoken English to CEFR level C1: Can express themselves fluently and spontaneously, almost effortlessly. Only a conceptually difficult subject can hinder a natural, smooth flow of language.

For further information or an informal discussion please contact; Sara Sherwood (Head of Corporate Parenting) on sara.sherwood@york.gov.uk  

Closing date: Monday 29 June at 12 midnight

Interview date: Week commencing 13 July