Head of Service

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency in Birmingham is seeking a leader to manage social services within a specific area. You will support the Assistant Director, oversee Team Managers, and contribute to strategic planning. Ideal candidates should have solid experience in social services leadership and a deep understanding of child welfare practices. This role involves working collaboratively with various stakeholders to enhance service outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a leadership role within social services or a related field.
• Strong understanding of child welfare policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the Assistant Director in leading and managing a specific service area.
• Contribute to performance management to ensure timely and effective outcomes for children.
• Directly manage a group of Team Managers and oversee social work services through them.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Knowledge of child welfare policies

Team management

Job description

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• Support the Assistant Director in leading and managing a specific service area, which may include Assessment and Short Term Intervention, Safeguarding, Children in Care, or city-wide services such as EDT, CASS/MASH, Fostering, Adoption, Child Protection & Review, or Practice Hub.
  
• Work collaboratively with the Assistant Director to prioritize and manage tasks effectively, ensuring high-quality services.
  
• Contribute to the development of strategic business plans that align with the service area's requirements and support organizational priorities.
  
• Build and nurture partnerships with local agencies, schools, statutory bodies, and private, voluntary, and community sectors to enhance services and outcomes for children.
  
• Influence and support the delivery of excellent practice, driving positive improvements in outcomes.
  
• Demonstrate positive leadership that reflects a clear belief and commitment to securing positive outcomes for children and young people.
  

General Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to performance management to ensure timely and effective outcomes for children and young people.
  
• Directly manage a group of Team Managers and oversee social work services through them.
  
• Supervise Team Managers and build their capacity to manage risk effectively.
  
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements.
  
• Promote equality of opportunity, diversity, and inclusion within the service area.
  
• Foster a culture of good practice and professional challenge.
  
• Develop processes and practices to ensure consultation and engagement with children, young people, and their carers in service planning and delivery.
  
• Manage business processes, relationships, and procurement activities.
  
• Contribute to and manage HR processes and procedures alongside HR colleagues.
  
• Effectively manage resources, monitor performance, and develop individuals as necessary.
  
• Utilize all recording systems as required by procedures.
  
• Lead specific service areas as determined by business needs.
  
• Offer coaching and mentoring across the service as needed.
  
• Undertake ongoing supervision and review of direct reports through the PDR and reflective supervision process, ensuring its integration across the service.
  
• Undertake other duties as determined by the Assistant Director.
  

Requirements

• Proven experience in a leadership role within social services or a related field.
  
• Strong understanding of child welfare policies, procedures, and best practices.
  
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
  
• Ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with various stakeholders.
  
• Sound knowledge of performance management and HR processes.