Head of Service for Early Help and Targeted Family Support

London Borough of Havering; Greater London; On-site; GBP 77,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Greater London is seeking an experienced Head of Early Help & Targeted Family Support. This role involves leading strategic delivery of services aimed at improving outcomes for children and families. Key responsibilities include managing teams, handling complex cases, and ensuring adherence to legislation. Ideal candidates should possess a social work qualification and substantial leadership experience within children's services. This position offers a competitive salary and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker with extensive leadership experience in statutory children’s services.
• Proven ability to enhance social care practices.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and operational delivery of Early Help services.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
• Manage budgets and seek income generation opportunities.
• Oversee complex, high-risk cases.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Communication

Risk management

Decision-making

Change management

Education

Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England

Job description

Job Description

Head of Early Help & Targeted Family Support

Grade 12 - £77,550‑£87,084 per annum

Starting Well

About the Role

We are seeking an inspiring and experienced Head of Service – Early Help & Targeted Family Support to lead the strategic delivery of Havering’s Early Help Service. This pivotal role oversees a range of services including the Family Information Service, Volunteer & Advocacy, Parenting and Family Group Conferencing (FGC), and Children’s Centres. As a senior leader, you will shape and improve services across the Starting Well portfolio, ensuring high-quality practice and strong outcomes for children and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for Early Help and Targeted Family Support services.
• Drive continuous improvement based on performance, risk, and demand.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and statutory guidance.
• Represent the service at multi-agency boards and committees.
• Manage budgets up to £500,000 and identify income generation opportunities.
• Lead on complex, high-risk cases and deputise for senior leaders when required.

About You

• Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England.
• Extensive leadership experience within statutory children’s services.
• Proven ability to improve social care practice and outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and frameworks.
• Skilled in managing change and building effective partnerships.

Skills And Attributes

• Strategic thinker with excellent risk management and decision‑making skills.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Resilient, adaptable, and committed to driving service improvement.

Why Join Havering?

You’ll have the opportunity to shape services at a strategic level during a period of innovation and transformation, making a real and lasting difference to the lives of children, young people, and families.

Please view Job Profile here

Contact

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact [e-mail]

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 23/12/25; however, interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

You will be notified if your application has been successful. Interview date to be confirmed.

Should you require any help or advice with your online application, please contact the Recruitment Helpdesk on 01708 432770.

Additional Information

We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.

The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than two A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.