Social Work Senior Operational Manager

Hampshire County Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a Social Work Senior Operational Manager to lead strategic programmes for younger adults with complex needs. This role involves overseeing various teams, ensuring operational excellence, and championing safeguarding practices. The ideal candidate will be a qualified social worker with proven strategic leadership experience in social care, and strong communication skills. Offering a competitive benefits package and a flexible working environment, this role aims to inspire positive change in the community.

Benefits

Health and wellbeing support

Professional development opportunities

Generous annual leave

Access to pension scheme

Qualifications

• Registered with Social Work England (SWE).
• Experience managing high-risk cases and complex programmes.
• Knowledge of strengths-based and person-centred approaches.
• Ability to lead transformation and collaborate across agencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic programmes for younger adults and complex needs.
• Ensure operational excellence and contribute to local service plans.
• Champion safeguarding and risk management initiatives.
• Develop and support a resilient workforce.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Communication

Influencing skills

Continuous improvement

Education

Qualified Social Worker

Job description

Join a bold, values-led organisation driving transformation in adult social care. As a dynamic and experiencedSocial Work Senior Operational Manager, you’ll lead strategic programmes that support younger adults and individuals with complex needs across Hampshire. This is your opportunity to shape person-centred, strengths-based services, embed innovation, and make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

What you’ll do:

• Lead strategic programmes: Oversee theYounger Adults Review & Savings Programmeand theLeast Restrictive Practice Team, delivering cost-effective, strengths-based outcomes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Drive mental health services: Lead the strategic direction of theEnhanced Support & Priority Resolution Team, ensuring equitable access and effective support for high-risk cases.
• Champion safeguarding and risk management: Lead on complex case oversight, contribute to risk audits, and embed robust safeguarding practices.
• Ensure operational excellence: Act as a senior decision-maker, deputising for the Locality/District Service Manager and contributing to planning and safeguarding forums.
• Develop and support the workforce: Promote staff development, lead transformation initiatives, and cultivate a resilient, innovative team culture.

What we’re looking for:

• Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England (SWE).
• Provenstrategic leadershipin adult or children’s social care, with experience managing high-risk cases and complex programmes.
• Strong knowledge ofstrengths-based and person-centred approaches, safeguarding legislation, and risk-based prioritisation.
• Excellentcommunication and influencing skills, with the ability to lead transformation and collaborate across agencies.
• A passion forcontinuous improvement, innovation, and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Why join us?

• Lead meaningful change: Shape the future of services for younger adults and those with complex needs through innovation and transformation.
• Inspire and collaborate: Join a passionate, high-performing team in a values-led environment where your ideas and leadership make a difference.
• Thrive in a supportive culture: Access professional development, wellbeing initiatives, and a flexible approach to work that fits your lifestyle.
• Work locally with flexibility: Enjoy hybrid working with your office base at the nearest HCC location to your home. Some travel across the county will be required to support service delivery and collaboration.
• Employee support: Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Competitive benefits package: Including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

To learn more about this role, please review our Candidate Pack available on our website. Please click on the Apply button for details.

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.

Other job titles you may be searching for: Deputy Service Manager, Senior Operational Manager, Operations Manager, Adult Social Care Programme Manager, Team Manager, Senior Social Work Manager, Strategic Lead, Service Manager, Integrated Service Manager, Assistant Service Manager, Safeguarding and Risk Lead.