Head of Service- Children & Young People with Disabilities (CYPD)

Ackerman Pierce; Greater London; On-site; GBP 87,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in London is seeking a Head of Service to lead the Children & Young People with Disabilities service. This role involves strategic and operational leadership, ensuring quality practice and outcomes for children. The ideal candidate must have a social work qualification, senior management experience, and a strong understanding of safeguarding legislation. In return, competitive salary and generous benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous pension scheme

Up to 30 days’ annual leave

Access to learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Motivated and compassionate leader embodying CARES practice values.
• Substantial experience with SEND/disability services.
• Proven ability to manage performance and deliver outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the CYPD Service covering Early Help and Social Care.
• Ensure quality practice and outcomes for children.
• Strengthen relationships with partners.
• Drive improvement in service performance.

Skills

Social Work qualification

Senior management experience in children's social care

Understanding of safeguarding legislation

Ability to lead teams

Experience with multi-agency partnerships

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

Head of Service – Children & Young People with Disabilities (CYPD)

Salary: £87,525‑£101,234 per annum
Job type: Permanent
Location: Barking & Dagenham

Salary: £87,525 – £101,234 per annum
Location: Barking and Dagenham
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Division: Children’s Care and Support

About the Role “We keep on striving for the best for our children and young people.” Barking and Dagenham Council is seeking a dedicated, passionate, and innovative Head of Service to lead our Children and Young People with Disabilities (CYPD) service.
In a borough with significant challenges and exceptional community spirit, we are determined to provide the very best for our children, young people, families, and carers. We are building robust, high-performing teams that ensure children receive the right support at the right time — helping them to thrive, be safe, and achieve their potential.
As Head of Service, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the CYPD Service, covering both Early Help and Social Care provision. This includes oversight of the CYPD Family Hub, Short Breaks Team, Portage Team, and CYPD Social Work Team.
You will play a pivotal role in ensuring quality practice, performance, and outcomes for children subject to Early Help plans, Short Breaks, Child in Need and Child Protection plans, and those in care or care proceedings. You will also work closely with Adult Social Care to ensure seamless transitions into adulthood. This is a key leadership opportunity to shape services through a period of transformation, aligned with the Families First National Reform agenda.

Key Priorities

• Develop and embed consistent, high‑quality practice across all CYPD teams.
• Strengthen relationships with partners, including education, health, and the Parent Carer Forum.
• Expand the Early Help and Short Breaks offer for families.
• Drive improvement in service performance, compliance, and impact.
• Champion the needs of children with disabilities and complex needs.
• Support and nurture staff wellbeing and professional development.

About You We are looking for a motivated and compassionate leader who embodies our CARES practice values – Collaborative, Ambitious, Resourceful, Empowering, and Supportive.

You will bring:

• A Social Work qualification and current Social Work England registration.
• Substantial experience in senior management within children’s social care, particularly with SEND and disability services.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, SEND strategy, and Ofsted frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage performance, and deliver high‑quality outcomes.
• Experience of working across multi‑agency partnerships and influencing strategic change.
• Commitment to relational, restorative, and strength‑based leadership.

About Us At Barking and Dagenham, we put the heart back into social work. Through our CARES practice model, we ensure that the child’s lived experience is always at the centre of our work.

In return, we offer:

• Competitive salary and generous pension scheme
• Relocation support and up to 30 days’ annual leave
• Access to high-quality learning and development opportunities
• A strong commitment to staff wellbeing and professional growth

Join a stable and visionary leadership team that’s committed to transforming the lives of children and families across Barking and Dagenham.

Contact Phil at Ackerman Pierce on 02038546682 or [e-mail]