Job 119605 – Head of Service (Learning and Disability)

Carrington Blake Recruitment; Dorchester; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Dorchester seeks an experienced Head of Service to lead the Learning and Disability Team. This role involves providing strategic and operational leadership in delivering social work services while ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have relevant qualifications and experience in safeguarding and service management. The position offers a daily rate of £650 and a hybrid working model.

Qualifications

• Evidence of commitment to continuing professional development.
• Safeguarding Board training required.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and regulations.
• Drive service improvements and manage resources efficiently.
• Contribute to strategic planning and partnership development.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational management

Safeguarding practice

Collaboration

Education

Degree level education

Diploma in social work/CQSW

HCPC Registered

Job description

Overview

Connect2Dorset are looking for an experienced Head of Service in Adults with the Learning and Disability Team.

£650 per day (Inside IR35)

Hybrid (2 days in the office – Dorchester)

3 to 6 months

37 hours a week

Role purpose

This role provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure the effective delivery of statutory social work services, operating within national legislative frameworks, including the Children Act 1989 and the Care Act 2014. As a senior leader, the postholder drives service improvements, shapes strategic outcomes, and ensures the highest standards of practice to support vulnerable adults, children, young people, and their families. Through visible leadership, the role strengthens partnerships, contributes to safeguarding boards, and advances early help and prevention strategies. It plays a critical part in shaping council-wide policies, managing resources efficiently, and overseeing performance to achieve key service priorities. The postholder provides expert guidance, leads workforce development, and ensures continuous improvement in social work practice. Deputising for senior leaders when required, they influence strategic decision-making and contribute to the future direction of social care services.

Key responsibilities

• To be responsible for promoting and safeguarding vulnerable adults and children
• To provide the leadership to several services /professionals in regard to their specific area of operational service delivery.
• To be responsible for taking professional decisions on complex matters within appropriate timescales.
• To have direct line management for allocated Operational managers.
• To promote, develop and plan services ensuring that there is an effective and efficient delivery of services which meet statutory requirements and may be subject to regulation and inspection.
• To contribute to the strategic planning, working collaboratively with partners, communities, the voluntary sector and others as appropriate.
• To provide a clear line of governance regarding decision making on high risk and complex case issues and to escalate as appropriate.
• To be responsible for the performance management and outcomes for an allocated portfolio of services.
• To write reports, work plans and service plans as and when required.
• To lead and/or relevant leadership and management meetings as required.
• To lead and/or be involved in budget and performance discussions and work closely with colleagues in finance, performance and in other key support areas to ensure effective service delivery within available resources.
• To be responsible for performance and delivery of outcomes against key performance indicators in allocated areas.
• To manage delegated budgets effectively and efficiently in line with the authority’s scheme of cost centre management and delegation.
• To manage early help and prevention resources as allocated.
• To ensure that there is compliance with health and safety in allocated service areas.
• To provide strategic leadership.
• Undertaking any lesser or comparable duties as identified. NB: The duties and responsibilities of this post are not restrictive, and the post holder may be required on occasion to undertake other duties. This will not substantially change the nature of the post. Supervision and management Reporting to: Director/Assistant Director Responsibility for: This post has direct line management responsibility for allocated operational managers who manage a large staff group.

Experience

• Degree level education
• Diploma in social work/CQSW
• Evidence of commitment to continuing professional development
• HCPC Registered
• Safeguarding Board training

How to apply

If you think this job role is for you, please send your CV to [e-mail]