Commissioning Portfolio Lead - Learning Disabilities and Autism Team

Cheshire West and Chester Council; Chester; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Chester seeks a skilled professional to lead adult social care commissioning. The role involves developing sustainable services, engaging stakeholders, and monitoring effectiveness. Applicants should have significant experience in a social care or health environment, strong project management skills, and a commitment to promoting equality. The position offers various benefits, including career development opportunities and a competitive salary.

Benefits

High street and supermarket shopping discounts

Gym membership

Generous holiday allowance starting at 26 days pro rata

Career average pension scheme with 22.3% employer contributions

Employee Assistance Programme

Local Living Wage – minimum £12.60 per hour

Qualifications

• Significant experience in commissioning within a Social Care or Health environment.
• Ability to analyse data and use it to inform effective decision-making.
• Experience of working within a political environment.
• Flexible approach with the ability to manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement commissioning projects addressing mental health challenges.
• Work with providers to develop sustainable, person-centred services.
• Monitor and evaluate commissioned services for continuous improvement.
• Build relationships with service users, carers, and stakeholders.
• Utilise data to inform commissioning decisions.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Data analysis

Understanding of public sector challenges

Commitment to equality and diversity

Education

Degree or equivalent in Social Care, Health, or related field

Job description

The postholder will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of adult social care in Cheshire West and Chester where you will be responsible for:

Responsibilities

• Outcomes-based Commissioning – developing and implementing commissioning projects from inception to mobilisation that address the needs of young people and adults with mental health challenges, a learning disability or autism. There will be a focus on prevention, early intervention, and community-led support, as well as sourcing support and accommodation for those with more complex presentations.
• Market Shaping – working with a diverse range of providers to develop sustainable and high-quality care and support that delivers person-centred services.
• Performance Management – monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of commissioned services, ensuring value for money and continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement – building strong and lasting relationships with service users, carers, providers, and other key stakeholders.
• Data Analysis – utilising data and intelligence to inform commissioning decisions and identify areas for improvement.
• Strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the public sector, in particular those with a learning disability or complex needs.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in commissioning within a Social Care or Health environment.
• Excellent project management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyse data and use it to inform effective decision-making.
• Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Degree level or equivalent qualification or relevant professional experience commensurate with this role within Social Care, Health, or related field.
• Experience of working within a political environment.
• Flexible and personal resilience approach and the ability to confidently manage competing priorities.
• Must hold a valid driving licence.

Benefits

• High street and supermarket shopping discounts
• Gym membership
• Holidays
• Days out
• Cinemas
• Childcare vouchers
• Cashback scheme on any medical treatment that you may require via Medicash
• Car lease scheme – brand new fully maintained and insured car for 3 years in return for a fixed monthly payment via salary sacrifice
• Cycle Scheme – save up to £320 on the cost of a brand-new bike and equipment
• Competitive salary
• A generous holiday allowance starting at 26 days pro rata (plus bank holidays) increasing with length of service to 31 days and the ability to purchase additional leave
• An excellent career average pension scheme with employer contributions of 22.3% (Employer contributions elsewhere are typically 3%)
• The opportunity to develop your skills and career
• Rewards and Recognition for going above and beyond such as additional annual leave and shopping vouchers
• Supportive team and culture
• Opportunity to purchase up to 10 days additional annual leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme, which offers free 24/7 confidential assistance, practical information, and emotional support
• Local Living Wage – minimum £12.60 per hour for all contracted hours