Head of Service
The closing date is 20 May 2026.
An opportunity has arisen in our Integrated Disability Service (IDS) Team for a Head of Service to oversee the social care component of the service. Our IDS service comprises two teams of social workers who carry out all statutory social work functions for people with complex needs relating to learning disability. As the Head of Service, you will oversee the principal managers to manage these teams, providing operational and social work practice advice. You will also have responsibility for managing the social care and staffing budget, as well as the performance of your service. The Head of Service role also plays a key role in the Local Authority management structure, and you will need to lead on development and improvement work in the service.
Benefits and Training: Full range of benefits including access to leadership and other specialist training. Bespoke training on statutory issues through partnership with the Local Authority.
Work arrangement: This role will involve remote/hybrid working, with a requirement to work from the office on certain days.
Main duties
- Ensure all work carried out by social work staff complies with statutory guidance and good practice.
- Authorise support plans and ensure the person's outcomes are met and the service provides value for money to commissioners.
- Maintain excellent knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act; support and direct staff with practice, including attending court where required.
- Develop and implement new ways of working to improve outcomes for people.
- Manage staffing budget and team performance metrics, including supervision, appraisal and training of staff.
- Contribute to Local Authority commissioning meetings, internal governance and contract meetings.
Qualifications
- Relevant professional qualifications at Masters Level.
- Demonstrable evidence of continuous professional development.
Knowledge
- Up-to-date knowledge of modern service delivery and national plans for health and social care.
- Commercial focus and understanding of business requirements of a Trust.
- Understanding of project management methodology and approach.
- Understanding of service improvement tools and techniques.
- Knowledge of workforce and corporate governance policy and process.
- Budget management.
- Understanding of regulations and legislation that govern healthcare delivery.
Skills
- Operational planning and performance management.
- Identify, evaluate and support continuous development of services.
- Highly developed communication skills: influence, negotiation, empathy, and written communication.
- Confidence in having difficult conversations and addressing concerns promptly.
- Planning, ensuring alignment between strategy and operational delivery plans.
- Prioritise and re-prioritise, remaining flexible and resilient.
- Decision‑making and escalation/ delegation judgement.
- Flexible and innovative thinking.
- Own and lead change.
- IT skills – Microsoft Office applications.
- Report writing and presenting.
- Inspire and motivate others to change.
- Tackle under/poor performance.
- Coaching style of management.
- Work independently on highly sensitive and contentious issues.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Equal Opportunities
If you have a disability that meets the definition set out in the Equality Act 2010, you may be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme.
The Trust offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme to eligible armed forces community applicants, encouraging applications from armed forces reservists or cadet force adult volunteers.
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