Job Description
6-month contract with a local authority
Summary
* This is a 6-month contract with a local authority, focused on providing strategic leadership and operational management within Child Protection Services. The role is crucial for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and effective services for children, young people, and families. It emphasises improving outcomes through strong performance management, safeguarding compliance, and collaborative efforts across key service areas.
Responsibilities
* Lead and manage key areas of Children’s Services, including referral and assessment, social work, and permanency (including fostering).
* Provide leadership and support to team managers and frontline staff.
* Ensure services are delivered in line with statutory requirements and safeguarding legislation.
* Maintain high standards of practice to improve outcomes for children and families.
* Oversee service performance, ensuring targets and KPIs are achieved.
* Monitor and improve service quality through audits, inspections, and continuous improvement activities.
* Ensure effective quality assurance frameworks are in place across the service.
* Address performance issues promptly and implement improvement plans.
Essential Experience
* Significant experience in statutory Children’s Services, particularly in child protection.
* Proven experience in a leadership or management role within social care.
* Strong experience managing service performance, quality, and improvement.
* Experience working with safeguarding frameworks and legislation.
Essential Qualifications
* Degree qualification in Social Work or related field.
* Social Work England registration (desirable/required depending on role level).
* Management or leadership qualification (desirable).
Additional Information
* Working hours: 37 hours per week.
* Location: Ballard House, West Hoe Road, West Hoe, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 3BJ, United Kingdom.
* Work pattern: 3 days a week on-site, 2 days remote.
* Enhanced DBS required.
* Bi-weekly schedule.
* The role closes on 4th June 2026, apply ASAP.
Requirements
To provide strategic leadership and operational management within Child Protection Services, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and effective services for children, young people, and families