Childrens Service Manager – Connected Care & Kinship Fostering – #5299154

Job Description

Durham County Council is seeking an experienced Agency Service Manager to lead its Connected Care and Kinship Fostering Service in Seaham, County Durham (SR7 7TT). This is a senior leadership role at £34.25 per hour, available from 29 June 2026.

You will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Connected Care and Kinship Team, overseeing the assessment, approval, and support of kinship and connected foster carers. Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with Fostering Regulations, National Minimum Standards, and statutory guidance; driving improvements in placement sufficiency and stability; providing oversight of complex and high-risk cases; leading on quality assurance, audits, and performance management; and working in partnership with Children in Care teams, legal services, and external agencies. You will also contribute to service development, transformation, and kinship strategy.

Candidates must be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England, with significant experience in fostering services including kinship and connected care, and proven leadership at Team Manager or Service Manager level. A strong knowledge of fostering legislation, safeguarding, and permanence planning is essential, alongside the ability to work at pace in an agency or interim capacity.

Desirable experience includes contributing to kinship care strategy or service redesign, a track record of improving placement stability and outcomes, and experience with regional or national fostering initiatives. Hybrid working is available subject to service need.

To apply or find out more, please get in touch with our team today.

What’s on offer:

* Excellent, competitive pay rates – paid weekly
* Supportive management team with approachable, experienced leaders
* A desirable location with great transport links
* A stable, well-resourced, and encouraging working environment

Why join Semester.co.uk?

* Free ongoing CPD and training opportunities to enhance your skills
* Competitive rates of pay with prompt, reliable payments through our in-house payroll
* Enhanced DBS processing included
* Dedicated, friendly consultant offering tailored support
* Access to a wide range of opportunities in your chosen location

Ready to take the next step? Click ‘Apply’ now to express your interest in this role, or explore other exciting opportunities with Semester.co.uk.