Head of Service - Assessment, Access and Occupational Therapy Services

East Sussex County Council; Lewes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

East Sussex County Council is seeking a strategic Head of Service to lead its Assessment, Access and Occupational Therapy teams. You will be instrumental in delivering transformative adult social care, managing multidisciplinary teams and ensuring effective service delivery that meets the needs of the local community. This pivotal role offers the chance to drive innovation and improve care interfaces, supporting vulnerable groups through significant transformations.

Qualifications

• Proven record in strategic leadership and management.
• Experience in the delivery of adult social care services.
• Solid background in budget management and safeguarding legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead Access, Assessment and Occupational Therapy teams.
• Develop and implement new service initiatives for adult social care.
• Strengthen partnerships across health, housing, and community organisations.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Budget management

Knowledge of safeguarding

Education

Adult Social Care management experience at a senior level

Expertise in the Care Act and relevant legislation

Job description

Head of Service - Assessment, Access and Occupational Therapy Services

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Head of Service - Assessment, Access and Occupational Therapy Services

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Job Description

Are you a strategic and values-led leader with a strong grip on the Care Act, safeguarding, and complex casework? Are you ready to shape and deliver transformative adult social care services that make a real difference to communities?

Job Description

Are you a strategic and values-led leader with a strong grip on the Care Act, safeguarding, and complex casework? Are you ready to shape and deliver transformative adult social care services that make a real difference to communities?

We’re looking for an experienced Head of Service to lead our Access, Assessment and Occupational Therapy teams, including Health and Social Care Connect, Neighbourhood Support Teams, OT, and Sensory Impairment. This is a pivotal role in our Adult Social Care & Health directorate, reporting directly to the Assistant Director (Operations).

This is a key strategic and operational role, where no two days are the same. You’ll be responsible for leading and supporting a range of multidisciplinary teams delivering frontline services, including our contact centre, locality-based support teams, occupational therapy, and sensory services. Day to day, you’ll work closely with Operations Managers to oversee service delivery, manage performance, and ensure resources are used effectively to meet the needs of local residents. You’ll play a central role in strengthening partnerships across health, housing, and community organisations, contributing to integrated approaches and joined-up care. This is your opportunity to drive forward innovation, champion person-centred practice, and lead a skilled and passionate workforce through a time of significant transformation.

We are currently embarking on an exciting ‘Front Door Transformation’ project to expand early intervention, reduce waiting times and deliver better, faster support. You’ll lead this work to prevent, reduce, and delay care needs — helping us reshape our interface with the public and achieve lasting impact.

You’ll Bring

• Thorough legal literacy and expertise in the Care Act, Section 42 safeguarding, the Mental Capacity Act, and complex casework.
• A strong record of strategic leadership, with excellent interpersonal skills and the confidence to influence and collaborate across systems.
• Significant experience managing large budgets, including staffing and community care resources, with a sharp eye for reducing demand and driving prevention across services.
• A commitment to working collaboratively, fostering a learning culture, and delivering high-quality support to our residents.
  
  

Role

To apply for the role, please click 'Apply Now' to complete your online application form. Please ensure that applications demonstrate how you meet the following essential criteria:

• Ability to identify service needs and direct resources appropriately, developing and implementing new service initiatives
• Ability to communicate effectively with a range of people in a clear, concise and accurate manner, changing messages to suit different audiences.
• Ability to plan and organise a varied workload for self and others, working to short deadlines, able to make decisions when dealing with constant and conflicting demands on time
• Experience of staff management, performance management, strategic service planning and the engagement of change Statutory responsibilities and Departmental policies and procedures in relation to the specific service area.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and case law.
• Knowledge and experience of budget management or monitoring
• Knowledge of safeguarding Adults systems, policies and procedures.
• Adult Social Care management experience at a senior level.
• Ability to make decisions when dealing with constant and conflicting demands on time.
• Strategic leadership and change management skills.
  
  

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for further information.

Interviews will be held in person on Friday 04 July and Tuesday 08 July 2025 at County Hall in Lewes.

At East Sussex County Council, we’re proud to offer a supportive, values-led working environment with excellent opportunities for professional growth. From a thorough induction to ongoing CPD, we invest in our people so they can deliver their best for the communities we serve.

East Sussex is a beautiful and diverse place to live and work. From thriving towns and close-knit communities to areas of real challenge, our work is varied and meaningful. We’re known for strong partnerships, stable leadership, and bold innovation. You’ll be joining a council that’s proud of its record and ambitious for the future.

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

For an informal discussion about this post or to ask any questions please email Leigh Prudente - Assistant Director, Operations [e-mail] and she will be happy to arrange a time to call you back.

For a team that supports you

About Us

Additional Information

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record . Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Government Administration

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