Head of Service

4Recruitment Services; England; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment service provider in the UK is looking for an experienced individual to provide strategic leadership within Provider Services. This role includes overseeing budgets, developing strategies, and improving service performance for children's services. Candidates must have a Social Work qualification and extensive management experience, ensuring high standards in service delivery.

Qualifications

• Recognised Social Work qualification required.
• Experience in management and change management.
• Registered with Social Work England.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development of strategies and policies for Provider Services.
• Manage budgets and monitor spending effectively.
• Lead the Adoption Partnership South East.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Partnership development

Budget management

Performance improvement

Signs of Safety framework

Education

Degree in Social Work or equivalent

NVQ level 5 in Management or equivalent

Job description

Main Job Purpose

• Provide strategic leadership, vision and direction to the service areas within Provider Services, taking a lead role on the development of relevant strategies, policies, procedures, programmes and projects.
• Oversee the Council's new sufficiency plan, strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders to ensure stable and suitable placements for children in care.
• Be the interface between Children’s Services and Commissioning to manage budgets, monitor spend, forecast future needs related to changing demand using scenario modelling to help plan commissioning.
• Lead for Adoption Partnership South East (London Borough of Bexley, Kent County Council (Host) and Medway Council)
• To contribute to the operational management and strategic development of the wider service as a member of the Children’s Services Management Team.
• To be accountable for the service area budget, ensuring effective monitoring and analysing of spend in order to ensure services are delivered safely within budget.
• To be accountable for the service performance through the establishment of clear targets and key performance indicators, continuously driving improvement and ensuring practice and values deliver positive outcomes for children, young people and their families.
• To assist and deputise for the Assistant Director of Children’s Services and provide cover for other Heads of Service, as appropriate.
• To participate in the senior management on call rota.

Qualifications / Experience

• Hold a recognised Social Work qualification eg. Degree in Social Work, PGC in Social Work, CQSW, DipSW or equivalent.
• Be registered with Social Work England.
• Hold an NVQ level 5 in Management or equivalent management qualification.
• Extensive management experience including the management of change.
• Experience directly related to the area of specialism.
• Experience in successfully planning for and contributing to the Ofsted inspection process.
• Extensive understanding of the legislative and policy framework around providing services to children, young people, and their families.
• Experience of working within a Signs of Safety framework.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.