Head of Service – Workforce and Partnerships (Principal Occupational Therapist)
Location: Civic Centre, Walsall
Salary: Grade: SMG1 - Up to £92,483
Closing date: 24th October
About the Role
Are you ready to shape the future of Adult Social Care in Walsall? As our new Head of Service – Workforce and Partnerships (Principal Occupational Therapist), you'll champion Occupational Therapy practice and lead workforce strategy for the entire Adult Social Care workforce. You'll represent the voice of Occupational Therapists at every level, drive practice improvement, and ensure our whole workforce is skilled, supported, and ready for the challenges ahead. You'll lead on recruitment, retention, and wellbeing, and build strong partnerships with health, housing, and other key sectors to deliver the best possible outcomes for our residents. You'll also play a pivotal part in developing and delivering our Workforce Strategy and Plan, making sure our services are innovative, effective, and truly people-focused.
About You
You're an experienced Occupational Therapist with a degree in the field and a track record of senior leadership. You bring energy, credibility, and a collaborative spirit, with the confidence to influence at all levels. You're committed to continuous professional development, equality, and inclusion, and you thrive on building relationships and driving positive change. Your skills in networking, communication, and strategic thinking set you apart, and you're ready to champion best practice and empower others to grow and succeed.
Why Walsall?
Walsall Council is ambitious for the future and proud of its values-driven, inclusive culture. Here, you'll join a supportive leadership team, work alongside passionate colleagues, and have the freedom to innovate and make a real difference. If you want to shape the future of Occupational Therapy and workforce partnerships across Adult Social Care—and see the impact of your work every day—this is the place for you.
For More Information
Interested in learning more? For an informal chat about the role, reach out to Jennie Pugh ( )- Director of Adult Social Care.
View Job Description and Employee Specification
Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. I f you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them. Please see our Information for Applicants leaflet for further information.
We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this job vacancy. We are not accepting agency applications or referrals at this time.
This post is covered by the Government's Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.
Walsall Council takes seriously the responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all the children, young people and vulnerable adults entrusted to our care and it is our expectation that all staff will share this commitment. We will ensure continuous development and improvement of robust recruitment processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our workforce. Completion of an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement for working with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Applicants appointed to posts that require an enhanced DBS clearance must declare any periods of time that they have lived, studied or worked abroad and be prepared to provide an Overseas Criminal Records Certificate (OCRC) or a Statement of Good Conduct (SOGC) relating to anytime they were overseas.
Legislation imposes restrictions on political activity for certain local government employees. This position is designated as a politically restricted (sensitive) post as set out in Part 1 the Local Government & Housing Act 1989 and the Local Government (Political Restrictions) Regulations 1990 (LGO(PR)R 1990) [SI 851] and S.30 of the Local Democracy Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.
Here at Walsall, we want to attract the best talent. That's why - as well as a satisfying and rewarding job - we offer a range of attractive benefits. Working arrangements in most jobs are flexible (you may work flexitime, full or part time and job sharing is usually available) and you can expect generous holiday entitlements, a first class pension scheme and plenty of opportunities for training and personal development.
We advertise vacancies because we want the best talent available. If that's you, we're waiting for your application.
Living in Walsall
Part of the Black Country, famous for its enterprising and industrial past, Walsall is reinventing itself to become a progressive modern community. The borough is centred around the major town of Walsall, but also includes five smaller and distinctive district centres (Bloxwich, Aldridge, Willenhall, Darlaston and Brownhills), together with numerous villages.
Walsall Council is committed to Safer Recruitment.
To achieve our commitment, we will ensure continuous development and improvement of robust recruitment processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our workforce.
Social Work Matters - Children's Social Worker Recruitment
Some of our children require a special kind of support: yours. Visit our microsite to find out more about joining Walsall Council as a Children's Social Worker.