Family Based Care Manager

Job Title: Family Based Care Team Manager

Salary: £40,705-42,691 (FTE) dependent on experience, plus an on call allowance

Hours: 28 hours per week

Location: Dundee (hybrid working arrangements in place)

About us

Carolina House Trust is an independent fostering organisation providing family based care and supported care for vulnerable children and young people. We’re proud to be recognised by Great Place to Work 2025 as one of the Top 10 Small Employers in the UK for overall experience, development, and wellbeing.

We’re a growth‑mindset organisation where innovation is encouraged, curiosity is valued, and learning is part of everyday life.

Our mission

We make homes to nurture children and young peoples’ potential.

The Role

As our Family Based Care Team Manager, you will lead and inspire a team of Supervising Social Workers and Support Workers to deliver exceptional, therapeutic, trauma‑informed care.

You’ll play a central role in shaping safe, nurturing family homes, supporting carers, and ensuring young people experience consistent and compassionate support. You will also design and deliver high‑quality trauma informed training that strengthens the knowledge, resilience, and confidence of carers, staff, and partners.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and support a team delivering high‑quality family based and supported care.
• Deliver and develop trauma‑informed, therapeutic training.
• Oversee Form F and Supported Care assessments and ensure excellent practice standards.
• Work closely with Local Authorities on referrals and placement decisions.
• Build strong, positive relationships with carers, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Provide reflective supervision and champion staff development.
• Contribute to strategic planning and continuous improvement across the organisation.
• Participate in duty and on‑call rotas to ensure 24‑hour support.

About You — Essential Criteria

Experience & Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker (DipSW, CQSW, Degree or MSc) and SSSC registered.
• Extensive post‑qualifying experience across children’s services, including family based care.
• Strong assessment skills and experience of developing and delivering high‑quality training.
• Proven experience supporting vulnerable children, young people, or adults.
• Confident partnership worker across agencies and networks.

Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent understanding of therapeutic and trauma‑informed practice.
• Strong knowledge of fostering, continuing care, and relevant care standards.
• Strategic thinker with sound understanding of current legislation.
• Effective communicator with excellent report‑writing and IT skills.
• Skilled at developing relationships, chairing meetings, and supporting staff practice.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and adapt.

Personal Qualities

• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Growth‑mindset approach and reflective practice.
• High integrity, professionalism, and understanding of confidentiality/GDPR.

Other Requirements

• Ability to participate in a 24‑hour on‑call rota.
• PVG Scheme membership (or eligibility).
• Ability to work evenings/weekends when needed.
• Full driving licence.

Desirable Extras

• Experience of managing or supervising a team.
• Post‑qualifying Child or Adult Protection certificate, or Practice Educator qualification.
• Leadership, coaching, or management training.
• Experience of providing professional supervision.

What We Offer

We believe our people deserve to feel valued, supported and inspired. As a Family Based Care Team Manager, you’ll enjoy a rewarding package that reflects the importance of the work you do:

Salary

£40,705 – £42,691 per year, plus an additional on‑call allowance.

Pension

Join our stakeholder pension scheme and invest in your future with confidence.

Generous Annual Leave

Enjoy 32 days’ annual leave + 4 public holidays (pro‑rata for part‑time roles), giving you the time and space to recharge.

Extra Leave for Long Service

We reward commitment — after 5 years with us, you’ll receive an additional 5 days’ annual leave (pro‑rata).

Enhanced Family‑Friendly Policies

We offer enhanced maternity, shared parental, paternity and adoption packages to support you and your family during life’s big moments.

Pool Car Access

You will have access to pool cars to carry out your duties

Continuous Professional Development

Your growth matters. We’ll work with you on a personalised development plan through our Supporting Performance process and provide ongoing opportunities for training and learning.

How to Apply

For a detailed job pack, including job description, person specification and application form, please visit the job pages of our website, www.carolinahousetrust.org.uk. or contact Human Resources on 01382 561279 or email recruitment@carolina.org.uk

For an informal discussion about this post, please contact HR on 01382 561279.

CLOSING DATE: 15th February 2026

INTERVIEW DATE: 25th February 2026

Carolina House Trust does not accept applications from recruitment agencies.

It is Carolina House Trust recruitment policy to reply to applications via email, therefore when applying, can you please provide your email address.

Carolina House Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Carolina House Trust is a registered Scottish Charity No SC016289.