Head of Service - Adult Social Care (LD&N, MH & PDOP Teams)

Reading Borough Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in England is seeking an experienced Head of Service to lead the Adult Social Care teams and drive impactful changes. The role involves providing strategic leadership, managing operational teams, and collaborating with partners to ensure high-quality care. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Social Work or Occupational Therapy and be committed to compassionate leadership. This role includes flexible working opportunities and access to extensive training programs. It’s a chance to shape the future of care services in Reading.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Flexible working opportunities

Local Government Pension Scheme

Life Assurance

Access to training and learning opportunities

Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent in Social Work or Occupational Therapy is required.
• You must be registered with Social Work England or HCPC.
• Proven leadership experience and a passion for driving positive change are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and management to operational teams in Adult Social Care.
• Drive transformation in person-centred care.
• Oversee multiple teams and budgets effectively.

Skills

Compassionate leadership

Experience in mental health

Collaborative partnership building

Education

Degree in Social Work or Occupational Therapy

Registration with Social Work England / HCPC

Job description

Reading Borough Council is on the lookout for an inspirational leader to join our Adult Social Care, Senior Leadership Team and drive forward a bold programme of improvement to achieve the best outcomes for people. This is your chance to shape the future of Adult Social Care in Reading and make a lasting difference to the lives of our residents.

We’re seeking a visionary and innovative leader with substantial expertise in adult social work across diverse environments. You’ll be at the heart of our service embedding a strength‑based, person‑centred culture and ensuring residents are empowered to live independently, with dignity and choice.

About the Role

As a Head of Service you will be pivotal in providing leadership, operational management, and professional support to our Operational Teams, including Mental Health, Learning Disability & Neurodiversity, Physical Disability and Older People, and Review Team.

In this pivotal role, you’ll

• Drive transformation – further embed strength‑based, person‑centred care across Adult Social Care.
• Build partnerships – collaborate with NHS, Integrated Care Board, housing, voluntary and community organisations.
• Lead with impact – oversee multiple teams, budgets, and performance frameworks to deliver excellence.
• Champion safeguarding – protect and empower residents to live independently.
• Shape the future – contribute to borough‑wide integrated services and national mental health transformation programmes.

Enjoy the best of both worlds with our flexible work environment – combining remote working with access to our centrally located Reading office. We encourage being present in the office for two days a week to foster collaboration and connection.

You’ll lead social care teams, support Team Managers with complex cases, and play a key role in embedding a strength‑based culture across the council. Experience in mental health, S117 duties, and NHS partnership working will be invaluable.

What We’re Looking For

• A degree or equivalent in Social Work or Occupational Therapy
• Registration with Social Work England / HCPC
• Proven compassionate leadership experience and a passion for driving change

Why Join Us?

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion as the key to our success. We offer excellent support, supervision, and induction to help you thrive in your role. This is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to lead and inspire teams and make a real difference to the lives of Reading residents.

At Reading Borough Council, your career and personal growth truly matter. You’ll have full access to our Learning and Development programme, giving you the chance to expand your expertise, develop new clinical skills, we promote Continuing Professional Development. We’ll support you every step of the way as you extend your skills, take on new challenges, and grow into the leader you aspire to be.

Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. You’ll work side‑by‑side with colleagues across the Council, health professionals, voluntary organisations, and charities, all united by one goal. Achieving the very best outcomes for the people we support.

And you won’t just be joining a team, you’ll be joining Team Reading. Every individual plays a vital role in our success, and your contribution will help make Reading a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving place to live and work.

Our vision and values

• Work Together as one team – champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading.
• Drive Efficiency – create an environment in which resources are used efficiently and employees’ skills are developed and used effectively.
• Be Ambitious – aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential.
• Make a Difference to Reading – inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity.

Our offer

• A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
• Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave.
• Maternity, adoption, parental and sick pay.
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
• Access to a range of training and learning opportunities to help you develop.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
• Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
• Salary sacrifice scheme for Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) to help you save for your retirement.

For an informal discussion, contact Jo Purser, Deputy Director Adult Social Care at [e-mail]

Closing date: Sunday 18th January 2026
Interview date: Thursday 29th January 2026
Interview Setup: In person at the Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading

Visit: www.moretoreading.co.uk to find out more about Reading’s Community & Adult Social Care Services. It’s a chance to hear from the people who already work here and why they have chosen Reading as their professional destination.