Head of Service (South Locality Social Work)

Head of Service (South Locality Social Work)

Job location: Bradford

Want to find out more about working in Bradford? Here are some reasons why you’ll love it…

Bradford Children’s and Families Trust was established in April 2023 to deliver Children’s Services across the district. The Trust is wholly owned and funded by Bradford Council, but we are operationally independent. This provides the organisation with opportunities to explore and develop new approaches to service delivery.

The Trust has a clear vision for all children and young people to be safe and realise their full potential. To achieve this, we are working creatively with partners across the district to provide excellent services that meet the needs of children and their families.

There is a wide portfolio of expertise and knowledge across the Trust, including at board and executive level, and a supporting environment that promotes innovation. If you have the skills, experience, energy and passion to help us deliver the improvements we need to make then we would love to hear from you.

We are creating an organisation with a strong identity and values and currently have two exciting opportunities to contribute to the Trust’s vision at a Leadership level. We are looking for established social work leaders who are dedicated to giving all children the best opportunity for the future, putting families at the heart of everything they do and committed to working as part of a multiagency system.

About the role:

Head of Service for Localities (South) – Responsible for the provision of statutory Children’s Social Work, leading the development of locality working in one locality of the Bradford District. These services will include registered professional social work for Children in Need, those requiring help and protection, and children in care (care proceedings).

In this front-line leadership role, you will lead a team of experienced social workers, service managers, team managers, and support staff to drive continuous improvement and deliver high quality, effective services within your area of responsibility.

Essential qualifications and experience:

• Relevant professional qualification in social work e.g. DIPSW, CQSW
• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Three years’ experience in a senior management capacity in a relevant children’s social care field.
• Recent relevant statutory experience of managing social work services for children and young people.
• Experience of leading and responding to Ofsted Inspections.
• Experience of leading, managing, supporting, and developing individuals and teams and promoting a ‘can do’ attitude within an environment of continuous improvement and outcomes for children and young people.

List of Benefits:

• Generous Employer Contributions in a Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Competitive salary and pay progression structure.
• Real living wage as the minimum rate of pay.
• Supportive carer and parental policies.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• Access to Occupational Health and confidential counselling services.
• Supportive staff networks.
• Access to Blue Light Card Discounts.
• Enhanced annual leave entitlement.
• Flexible Working/Hybrid options subject to service need.

Please contact Andrea Walters, Assistant Director, for a confidential discussion on 07870 543097 or email

How to apply:

Closing date for applications is 5pm Friday 21 February 2025.

Interviews will be held week beginning 10 March 2025 (dates to be arranged).

Bradford Children and Families Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history prior to interview.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check including a check against the Children’s barred list, will be carried out on preferred candidates.

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