Assistant Director of Children’s Services

North Somerset Council; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in England is seeking an exceptional Assistant Director of Children’s Services to lead transformational change. The role requires a qualified social worker with strong leadership skills and experience in driving service improvements. The position focuses on family-led decision-making and maintaining connections within children's local communities. Interested candidates can contact the provided emails for further discussion.

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker with professional leadership experience.
• Experience in driving transformation within children's services.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed and strengths-based practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead children’s support and safeguarding services.
• Implement Families First Reforms and drive service change.
• Ensure best outcomes for children through continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership in multi-skilled workforce

Driving transformation

Collaboration

Financial credibility

Education

Qualified social worker

Job description

Overview

North Somerset is a place where relationships matter. We’re a small, friendly authority with big ambitions, and we’re looking for an exceptional leader to join us as our next Assistant Director of Children’s Services. This is a pivotal role at a critical time, offering the opportunity to lead transformational change. We have ambitious plans to make a positive difference to the lives of our children and young people. With the arrival of our new Chief Executive, Mandy Bishop, this is an exciting time to join us as we embark on a new phase of reform and transformation.

A qualified social worker, you will be responsible for providing professional leadership to our multi-skilled workforce and driving practice improvement. Our Practice Approach is called Building Connections underpins everything we do - strengths-based, restorative, and trauma-informed practice model and we are looking for a leader that truly believes in family led decision-making and keeping children within their local community and extended family networks.

Role and responsibilities

• Lead our children’s support and safeguarding services, including early help, family support, corporate parenting, youth justice, and quality assurance.
• Support the implementation of the Families First Reforms through a restructure in November and central to driving change across the service.
• Bring experience of improvement, a clear understanding of what good looks like, and the ability to work across boundaries with a genuine interest in connection and collaboration.
• Support our continuous improvement journey towards the best outcomes for all our children.

Requirements

• Qualified social worker with professional leadership experience in a multi-skilled workforce.
• Ability to work across adult’s services and other directorates with strong financial credibility and strategic direction.
• Experience in driving transformation and change within children’s services and a trauma-informed, strengths-based practice approach.

Context and values

We are a Council with strong values, good members, and a clear sense of purpose and commitment to transformation. Like all councils, we have financial challenges, but you will be well supported politically. We have recently been supported with additional investment for the creation of our own in-house residential provision.

This is a place where you can truly make your mark. With strong political support, a programme of transformation underway, and a partnership ready to innovate, you’ll be joining at a time of real opportunity.

Application and contact

For a confidential discussion, please contact Tile Hill colleagues Anita Denton 07725554802 ([e-mail]) or Helen Alwell 07931 543 313 ([e-mail]).

Closing Date for applications: Sunday 5th October at midnight

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.