What's involved with this role: JOB TITLE: Head of Learning and Disability - Social Care Services REF: Dorset 119605 Pay rate: Approximately £497.08 per day PAYE Contract Type: Temporary, Anticipated 3 to 6 months, DOE Working Arrangement: Hybrid, with 2 days in the office in Dorchester In order to apply for this role you will need to hold a Diploma in social work/CQSW and be HCPC Registered and have extensive experience of leading social care services. The role: On behalf of a local council, we are seeking a Head of Learning and Disability for approximately 3 to 6 months. 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, you will drive service improvements, shape strategic outcomes, and ensure 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. This role plays a critical part in shaping council-wide policies, managing resources efficiently, and overseeing performance to achieve key service priorities. You will provide expert guidance, leads workforce development, and ensures continuous improvement in social work practice. You will be deputising for senior leaders when required, to influence strategic decision-making and contribute to the future direction of social care services. Key Responsibilities: Provide leadership and governance across multiple services and professionals. Make professional decisions on complex and high-risk issues within required timescales. Line manage allocated operational managers and oversee large staff groups. Plan, develop, and deliver effective services that meet statutory, regulatory, and inspection requirements. Contribute to strategic planning and collaborate with partners, communities, and the voluntary sector. Oversee performance management, service outcomes, and compliance with KPIs. Prepare reports, service plans, and work plans. Lead or participate in leadership, management, budget, and performance meetings. Manage delegated budgets, early help, and prevention resources effectively. Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements in service areas. Provide overall strategic leadership and flexibility to undertake additional duties as needed. What the client is looking for: Degree level education Diploma in social work/CQSW Recent experience as a Senior leader in Social Care Services Evidence of commitment to continuing professional development HCPC Registered Safeguarding Board training How to Apply Quote the Job Title and Reference Number in your application. Submit your CV in Word format. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—early submission is recommended. We will also add your details to our mail out lists. Please note you may receive details of roles outside of your immediate vicinity, as many candidates are able to relocate temporarily for work. Please disregard any such emails that are not of interest and let us know if you would rather not receive such mailouts and/or if you wish us to delete your details and prefer to apply direct to our advertised roles. If you do not hear from us within three working days, unfortunately your application has not been shortlisted on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in working with us Please quote the Job Title & Vacancy Reference No. in your application, or we will be unable to match your CV to the role being applied for. AD Please note that clients invariably ask us to strip out contact details from CVs before we submit them for consideration. This is always quicker and easier to do if you send your CV to us in Word format, rather than as a PDF please.