Head of Early Help & Prevention (First Response)

Liquid Personnel; England; On-site; GBP 73,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local authority in Kent seeks a Head of Early Help & Prevention for its Adult Social Care Leadership Team. This vital role involves leading strategic service delivery, managing resources, and collaborating with partners to improve community care. It offers the opportunity to significantly impact residents’ lives while leading a dedicated team of up to 100 staff.

Benefits

Generous local government pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Opportunity to lead a team of up to 100 staff

Qualifications

• Extensive management experience including change management.
• Registered with Social Work England.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic and operational aspects of the 'front door' service.
• Ensure compliance with statutory duties under the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act.
• Manage complex budgets and inspire high-performing teams.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Partnership skills

Education

Degree in Social Work or Occupational Therapy

NVQ level 5 in Management or equivalent

Job description

Liquid Personnel are recruiting a dynamic and experienced leader to join a Local Authority in Kent's Adult Social Care Leadership Team as the Head of Early Help & Prevention (First Response).

In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for leading the strategic and operational aspects of our 'front door' service, ensuring it is managed and delivered in a manner that maximises independence and enables people to live as ordinary a life as possible. You will make the best use of all available resources, including the community and voluntary sector, family, and informal carers.

You will have extensive experience in leading and managing Adult Social Care services, a strong understanding of operational systems and relevant legislation, and excellent collaboration and partnership skills.

With a proven track record in strategic development and performance improvement, and the ability to manage resources effectively within budget constraints, you will join a dedicated team committed to improving the lives of residents with the opportunity to lead and innovate in a supportive environment.

As Head of Early Help & Prevention, you'll:

1. Strategically lead the delivery of Medway's front door service
2. Work with health partners to improve hospital discharge and admission avoidance
3. Maximise community resources including voluntary sector, informal carers, and reablement pathways
4. Ensure statutory duties under the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act are met with excellence
5. Inspire high-performing teams, manage complex budgets, and embed service improvements
6. Collaborate regionally and nationally to shape cutting-edge adult social care policy

About You

1. Degree in Social Work or Occupational Therapy
2. Registered with Social Work England
3. NVQ level 5 in Management or equivalent management qualification
4. Extensive management experience including the management of change
5. Evidence of continuous professional development and managing budgets for value for money
6. Post-qualifying learning with extensive CPD

What's in it for You

• Competitive salary of up to £73,241 and a special allowance of £5,307
• Generous local government pension scheme
• Flexible working arrangements
• Opportunity to lead a team of up to 100 staff
• Be part of a dedicated Leadership Team driving transformation across the authority

Interested?

If this sounds like the role for you, please contact Nicole Street at 02033193113.

Note: We are unable to support or accept applications from candidates residing within the Red or Amber list of the WHO Workforce Support and Safeguard List for international health and social care personnel in England.