Head of Front Door and Family Wellbeing (Early Help)

North Somerset Childrens; England; Hybrid; GBP 63,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in England is seeking a strategic leader for its children's services. The role involves leading integrated teams and driving excellence in safeguarding. Candidates should possess a professional social work qualification and have substantial senior-level experience. This position offers a competitive salary range of £63,403 - £71,838 and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Local Government Pension

Opportunities for professional development

Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work scheme

Wellbeing Team support

Qualifications

• Registered with Social Work England.
• Senior-level experience in children's social care.
• Ability to turn strategic ideas into action.
• Inclusive leadership style that builds trust.

Responsibilities

• Lead children's services and targeted early help.
• Drive excellence in safeguarding and learning.
• Build strong partnerships across communities.
• Shape services in line with national reforms.

Skills

Leadership

Safeguarding

Strategic vision

Collaboration

Education

Professional social work qualification

Job description

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair green and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

Lead the Change. Shape the Future. Make a Real Impact.

The Role

You’ll lead our integrated Front Door to Childrens Services and targeted Early Help offer including Family Wellbeing Teams, Family Hubs and parenting support services.

You’ll be responsible for :

• Inspiring and empowering a skilled passionate workforce through values-led leadership.
• Driving excellence in safeguarding and early help with a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
• Championing trauma-informed strength-based and reflective practice.
• Building strong partnerships across agencies communities and families.
• Shaping future services in line with national social care reforms.

This is a strategic leadership role with real operational influence where your decisions will directly impact lives. This role may be subject to change as part of the social care reforms implementation and this change will be part of your terms and conditions at the time of your appointment.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport or be able to provide alternative suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances you will fall into one of these categories. However please note that during the induction period it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style and if you wish to be in the office more frequently this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way :

• 2-3 days in the office
• Works both from home and the office depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About You

We’re looking for a bold compassionate leader who brings :

• A professional social work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
• Senior-level experience in childrens social care including safeguarding and early help.
• A clear strategic vision and the ability to turn ideas into action.
• A collaborative inclusive leadership style that builds trust and inspires confidence.
• A deep commitment to working alongside families and communities to create lasting change.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer :

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Local Government Pension.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ, REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) and Young Staff Forums.
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
• Dedicated in-house Wellbeing Team.
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.

Why North Somerset

Join a council that’s ambitious for children and committed to its people. We offer :

• A strong values-driven culture that puts children first.
• Investment in your leadership development and wellbeing.
• A reflective learning environment with high support and high challenge.
• Flexible modern working arrangements and a supportive senior team.

This is more than a job its a chance to shape a service and culture that truly changes lives.

Ready to lead with purpose

If you’re ready to bring vision, compassion and integrity to a role that matters we want to hear from you.

Apply now and help us build brighter futures for every child in North Somerset.

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

For further information about the role please contact Gary Jones Assistant Director Children Support & Safeguarding at or .

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability (including neurodiversity) if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Employment Type

Full-Time

Salary

£63,403 - £71,838 per annum