Head of Service

Service Care Solutions; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 61,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

A social care recruitment firm is seeking a Head of Provider Services to lead innovations within children's services in Maidstone. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, drive service excellence, and ensure high standards of care. Candidates should have significant leadership experience in social care and hold a recognized social work qualification. This role demands passion for service improvement and a strategic outlook.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in children's social care.
• Experience contributing to Ofsted inspections.
• In-depth understanding of legislative frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic development of Provider Services.
• Oversee children's placements and financial forecasting.
• Manage service budgets ensuring financial efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Service improvement

Financial management

Partnership building

Regulatory compliance

Education

Recognised Social Work qualification

NVQ Level 5 in Management

Job description

Overview

Head of Provider Services Location: Medway, Kent
Salary: £61,140 – £73,241 per annum
Plus:
Special Allowance: £5,573 per annum
Skills Allowance: £10,000 per annum
Out of Hours Payment: £3,000 per annum
Designation: Head of Provider Services
Directorate: Children & Adults
Division: Children’s Services
Responsible to: Assistant Director – Children’s Services
Grade: Service Manager
About the Role Medway Council is seeking a visionary and strategic Head of Provider Services to lead and innovate within Children’s Services. This pivotal role will provide strategic leadership, drive service excellence, and ensure the highest standards of care for children, young people, and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development of Provider Services, including the design and implementation of strategies, policies, and service improvements.
• Maintain strategic oversight of the Sufficiency Plan, fostering strong partnerships to secure stable, high-quality placements for children in care.
• Oversee children’s placements and financial forecasting, working closely with Commissioning to monitor spend, analyse impact, and plan for future demand.
• Act as the strategic lead for Adoption Partnership South East (Bexley, Kent & Medway).
• Drive performance through clear KPIs, embedding best practice and improving outcomes for children and young people.
• Manage service budgets, ensuring delivery is safe, efficient, and within financial frameworks.
• Deputise for the Assistant Director and provide cover for other Heads of Service where required.
• Participate in the senior management on-call rota.

About You

• To be successful, you will be an experienced and influential leader with a proven track record in children’s social care. You will bring passion, innovation, and commitment to service improvement.
• Hold a recognised Social Work qualification (Degree, PGC, CQSW, DipSW or equivalent)
• Be registered with Social Work England
• Hold an NVQ Level 5 in Management (or equivalent)
• Have extensive senior management experience, including delivering change
• Demonstrate significant experience within children’s services and service specialism
• Have contributed to and prepared for Ofsted inspections
• Possess in-depth understanding of legislative and policy frameworks for children and families
• Have experience working within a Signs of Safety practice model
• Evidence continuous professional development

Why Join Medway?

At Medway, we are committed to improving outcomes for our children and families. You will be part of a leadership team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

Apply

If you are ready to take on a high-impact leadership role and shape the future of children’s services in Medway, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply or request more information, please contact:
Delanie Heyes – Service Care Solutions
Email: (url removed) or call (phone number removed)

Job Info

• Job Title: Head of Service
• Company: Service Care Solutions
• Location: Maidstone, Kent
• Posted: Oct 17th 2025
• Sector: Social Care
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full Time

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