Head Of Service - Adults, Learning And Disability Team

4Recruitment Services; Christchurch; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is looking for a Head of Service to lead the Adults Learning and Disability Team in Dorchester. This senior role entails strategic leadership and oversight of statutory social work services. You will ensure compliance with legislation and drive service improvements while working in a hybrid setting. The ideal candidate will possess a diploma in social work and have proven experience in managing complex cases and safeguarding practices.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic leadership within social care.
• Strong financial and performance management skills.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership across services and professionals.
• Safeguard welfare of vulnerable adults and children.
• Oversee large staff groups and performance management.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial management

Partnership working

Safeguarding oversight

Education

Degree-level education

Diploma in Social Work / CQSW

HCPC registration

Job description

Overview

Head of Service - Adults, Learning and Disability Team

Location: Dorchester (Hybrid - 2 days in the office)

Rate: £650 per day (Inside IR35)

Contract: 3-6 months

Hours: 37 per week

We are seeking an experienced Head of Service to provide strategic and operational leadership within the Adults Learning and Disability Team. This is a senior role overseeing statutory social work services, ensuring compliance with national legislation including the Children Act 1989 and the Care Act 2014. As a visible leader, you will drive service improvements, shape outcomes, and set the highest standards of practice to support vulnerable adults, children, young people, and their families. The role requires strong partnership working, safeguarding oversight, and a clear focus on prevention and early help strategies.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction across allocated services and professionals.
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of vulnerable adults and children.
• Make professional decisions on complex cases within set timescales.
• Line manage operational managers and oversee large staff groups.
• Ensure services meet statutory requirements and regulatory standards.
• Contribute to strategic planning and partnership work with communities, agencies, and the voluntary sector.
• Oversee performance management, budgets, and service delivery outcomes.
• Lead on workforce development, service improvement, and governance of complex/high-risk cases.
• Write and deliver reports, service plans, and work plans as required.
• Deputise for senior leaders where necessary, influencing wider council strategies and policy.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Degree-level education.
• Diploma in Social Work / CQSW.
• HCPC registration.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Safeguarding Board training.
• Demonstrated experience of strategic leadership within social care services.
• Strong financial and performance management skills.

This is a challenging but rewarding role for a proven leader who can shape and deliver high-quality services for adults with learning disabilities while contributing to wider social care strategies.

To find out more information please contact Lily at (url removed)

Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. We are an equal opportunity agency