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- Tasks: Lead and enhance services for children and young people in the borough.
- Company: St Helens Council is a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with attractive benefits and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working with a passionate leadership team.
- Qualifications: Significant senior management experience in local government children's services is essential.
- Other info: We value diversity and guarantee interviews for disabled applicants meeting criteria.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
St Helens is a modernising Council which is passionate and ambitious for the children and families we support, our communities and our workforce. As part of our transformation journey, we continue to build on our progress and put children firmly at the centre of our care. We can only do this because of our highly valued, skilled, and supported workforce. We are incredibly proud of our Children’s Services improvement journey, which has seen our Ofsted rating go from ‘Inadequate’ in 2019 to ‘Good’ with outstanding features in 2024.
We are committed to making a difference to the lives of children and young people who live in the borough. To do so we need to build on the positive momentum of the last five years and ensure we continue to improve outcomes for all children, whilst tackling deprivation and child poverty and protecting children from vulnerable backgrounds. We are ambitious as we continue being brilliant at the basics and beyond and as we now work towards becoming outstanding in all areas.
Our staff are delivering high quality practice with a total commitment to the children and young people of our borough. We have an integrated senior leadership team and all the ingredients needed to continue to deliver on our bold ambitions. We can't wait to deliver the outstanding outcomes our children and young people deserve.
As Director of Children & Young People’s Services, you will play a key part in the council’s senior leadership team and will be responsible for the full range of services to the children & young people of the borough. We’re seeking an inspirational leader with significant senior management experience within local government children’s services. You’ll have a proven track record and a passion for making a positive difference and improving outcomes for children. You’ll also have excellent partnership skills, a strong political understanding, and the ability to deliver results.
As the statutory DCS, you will drive our children’s services ongoing journey, supported by the council’s senior leadership team, political leaders, and Cabinet. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a vibrant and energetic senior leadership team, for someone who wants to make a real difference to the children, young people and families across our borough.
We are a strong, resilient council that respects and values the individuality and diversity that every employee brings to the organisation. We strive to create a positive, open and inclusive working environment.
St Helens Council is a Disability Confident Leader: The Council guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria for the job, as detailed on the Person Specification, and will, for qualifying disabled candidates, make reasonable adjustments within the interview/selection process. Disability Confident Leaders lead the way in helping to take action that changes attitudes, behaviours, and cultures for the better.
We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, who share our values, our commitment to inclusion, and who will help us on our journey to transform our organisation.
Director of Childrens & Young People employer: St Helens Council
Contact Detail:
St Helens Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Childrens & Young People
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with St Helens Borough Council's recent achievements, especially the improvement in their Ofsted rating. Being able to discuss these successes and how you can contribute to further advancements will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of St Helens Council to gain insights into the organisational culture and expectations. This can help you tailor your approach and demonstrate that you understand the unique challenges and opportunities within their children's services.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the council's ambition to improve outcomes for children and young people. Highlight specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams through transformation.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of local government policies and the political landscape affecting children's services. Being well-versed in these areas will demonstrate your readiness to navigate the complexities of the role effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Childrens & Young People
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Director of Children & Young People. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the council's ambitions.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your senior management experience within local government children's services. Emphasise your proven track record in improving outcomes for children and your partnership skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for making a positive difference in children's lives. Discuss your vision for the role and how you plan to contribute to the council's ongoing journey towards outstanding services.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of your leadership style and how you've successfully driven change in previous roles. Mention your ability to work collaboratively with political leaders and senior teams to achieve results.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Helens Council
✨Show Your Passion for Child Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine passion for improving outcomes for children and young people. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your commitment to child welfare and how you've made a positive impact in similar roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Director position, it's crucial to showcase your significant senior management experience. Prepare to discuss your leadership style, how you've successfully led teams, and any challenges you've overcome in local government children's services.
✨Highlight Partnership Skills
The role requires excellent partnership skills, so be ready to talk about your experience working collaboratively with various stakeholders. Discuss how you've built relationships with political leaders, community organisations, and other agencies to drive results for children and families.
✨Understand the Council's Vision
Familiarise yourself with St Helens Borough Council's vision and recent improvements in children's services. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their ongoing journey towards outstanding outcomes and how your values align with their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
