Overview
Connect2Dorset are looking for an experienced Head of Service within Adults with the Learning and Disability Team.
£650 per day (Inside IR35)
Hybrid (2 days in the office - Dorchester)
Contract: 3 to 6 months • 37 hours a week
Responsibilities
* Provide 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.
* Drive service improvements, shape strategic outcomes, and ensure the highest standards of practice to support vulnerable adults, children, young people, and their families.
* Strengthen partnerships, contribute to safeguarding boards, and advance early help and prevention strategies.
* Play a critical part in shaping council-wide policies, managing resources efficiently, and overseeing performance to achieve key service priorities.
* Provide expert guidance, lead workforce development, and ensure continuous improvement in social work practice.
* Deputise for senior leaders when required and influence strategic decision-making for the future direction of social care services.
* Promote and safeguard vulnerable adults and children.
* Provide leadership to several services/professionals in relation to their area of operational service delivery.
* Make professional decisions on complex matters within appropriate timescales.
* Have direct line management for allocated Operational managers.
* Promote, develop and plan services to ensure effective and efficient delivery meeting statutory requirements and potential regulatory/inspection needs.
* Collaborate with partners, communities, the voluntary sector and others as appropriate for strategic planning.
* Maintain clear governance for decision making on high-risk and complex case issues and escalate as appropriate.
* Be responsible for performance management and outcomes for an allocated portfolio of services.
* Prepare reports, work plans and service plans as required.
* Lead and/or participate in leadership and management meetings as required.
* Engage in budget and performance discussions with finance, performance and other support areas to ensure effective service delivery within resources.
* Be responsible for performance against key performance indicators in allocated areas.
* Manage delegated budgets in line with the authority's scheme of cost centre management and delegation.
* Manage early help and prevention resources as allocated.
* Ensure health and safety compliance in allocated service areas.
* Provide strategic leadership.
* Undertake any lesser or comparable duties as identified, recognising duties are not restrictive and may evolve.
Experience and Qualifications
* Degree level education
* Diploma in social work/CQSW
* Evidence of commitment to continuing professional development
* HCPC Registered
* Safeguarding Board training
Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates
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