Contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• We are seeking an experienced Head of Service to lead and manage a key service area within children’s social care.
• Reporting to the Assistant Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality services that improve outcomes for children, young people, and families.
• You will oversee a team of managers, build strong partnerships across local agencies, and champion best practice, safeguarding, and inclusion.
• This role offers an opportunity to contribute to strategic business planning and influence service delivery in a dynamic environment focused on continuous improvement and positive outcomes for vulnerable children.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Support the Assistant Director in leading and managing a service area such as Safeguarding, Children in Care, Adoption, or Early Intervention services
• Develop and implement strategic business plans aligned with organisational priorities
• Manage, supervise, and support a group of Team Managers and their social work teams
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion within the service
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with local agencies, schools, and community organisations to improve service outcomes
• Lead performance management activities to ensure timely, effective, and high-quality service delivery
• Foster a culture of professional challenge, good practice, coaching, and mentoring
• Manage resources effectively, balancing demand and capacity, and supporting workforce development
• Oversee consultation and engagement processes involving children, young people, and carers
• Support HR processes including recruitment, supervision, and performance review
• Undertake other duties as required by the Assistant Director in line with the role’s seniority
Skills/Experience:
• Proven senior leadership experience in children’s social care or a related statutory service
• Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, child protection, and social care regulations
• Experience managing multiple teams and leading managers in a complex environment
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans and service improvements
• Excellent stakeholder management and partnership-building skills across statutory, voluntary, and community sectors
• Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Skilled in performance management, risk assessment, and resource allocation
• Strong communication, coaching, and mentoring abilities
• Experience with HR policies, procedures, and staff development
• Ability to lead change and foster a culture of continuous improvement
• Professional qualification in social care or related field essential
Additional Information:
• Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week.
• This role requires an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.