Head of Service - Corporate Parenting & Looked After Children

Kirklees Council; Salubindza; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in South Africa is seeking a Head of Service for Corporate Parenting & Looked After Children. In this role, you will lead teams to provide high-quality services for children and care leavers. The ideal candidate will have a Social Work qualification and substantial experience in children's social care. This position includes benefits such as a Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave

Flexible working

Professional development

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in frontline child protection and children’s social care.
• Significant senior leadership experience in children’s services.
• Understanding of wider issues in local government and partner organisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational teams supporting Looked After Children and Care Leavers.
• Translate strategy into outstanding social care practice.
• Drive partnership working to improve outcomes for children and young people.

Skills

Leadership in children's social care

Influencing and stakeholder management

Education

Professional Social Work qualification with registration with SWE

Job description

As Head of Service – Corporate Parenting & Looked After Children, you will lead and inspire teams delivering high-quality services for Looked After Children and Care Leavers. You’ll drive strategic improvement, champion partnership working, and ensure robust safeguarding and case management across Kirklees.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading operational teams supporting Looked After Children and Care Leavers
• Translating strategy into outstanding social care practice
• Driving partnership working to improve outcomes for children and young people
• Promoting transparency, challenge, and continuous improvement
• Ensuring cost-effective, high-quality social work and case management
• Using national best practice and local data to drive service improvement
• Managing service delivery within budgets and targets
• Championing safeguarding and corporate ownership of children’s issues

About You

We’re seeking a dynamic leader with a proven track record in children’s social care.

You’ll need:

• Professional Social Work qualification with registration with SWE
• Substantial experience in frontline child protection and children’s social care
• Significant senior leadership experience in children’s services
• Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills
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• Understanding of wider issues in local government and partner organisations
• Accepts this post is politically restricted
• Accepts an enhanced DBS and barred list check is required

Benefits include:

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• generous annual leave
• flexible working
• professional development, and more

Ready to make a real difference for children and young people in Kirklees? Apply now via our https://jobs.kirklees.gov.uk/ and help shape the future of corporate parenting and looked after children’s services.

About The Organisation

Kirklees Council is committed to improving outcomes for children and families. Our Children and Families service is at the forefront of innovation, partnership, and best practice. We offer a supportive, collaborative environment where your leadership can have a lasting impact.

Head of Service, Corporate Parenting Lead, Looked After Children Manager, Children’s Services Leader, Social Care Head, Safeguarding Lead, Service Manager, Children’s Social Work Leader

First Stage interviews will take place on Monday 23rd February 2026

Final Interviews will take place on Friday 6th March 2026