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- Tasks: Lead and improve services for children in care, overseeing a dedicated team.
- Company: Join a passionate Local Authority focused on enhancing children's lives in the North West.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive pay, and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's futures while working with a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Must have social work qualifications, leadership experience, and a valid enhanced DBS.
- Other info: Immediate interviews available; referrals rewarded!
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Initial 4 interim contract, North West, full-time (Hybrid working), £500-£550 per day (umbrella), Inside IR35. CVs are being reviewed immediately and interviews will be taking place within the coming 2 weeks.
An exciting new interim opportunity has arisen within a Local Authority in the North West for an experienced Head of Children in Care whilst the team looks to appoint to a substantive post holder. My client is looking for an experienced leader with expertise in PLO, Court, CLA & Care Leavers to lead the improvement agenda for this newly reformed service.
About your duties as the Head of Cared for Children:
- You will have 3 direct reports (Service Managers) and the respective Team Managers/Service area.
- This role holds oversight of permanency across the borough and statutory oversight for CLA (including within wider service areas).
- Responsible for joint co-ordination of the corporate parenting board and sufficiency strategy.
- You will drive permanency practice in line with their commitment to Outstanding practice.
- Key for this role will be the ability to drive momentum in the improvement agenda using the strength of strong leaders in the service and development where needed.
Your experience needed as the Head of Cared for Children:
- Operational experience of leading the portfolio at a Head of Service or above level previously.
- Demonstrable track record in change management, bringing teams with you leading with energy and tenacity.
- Must be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of what Good looks like, how to bring services forward and demonstrable skills in an improvement journey.
- Must hold a valid enhanced DBS or be able to undertake a new one.
- Social work qualification and active registration with Social Work England.
- Available references for most recent 5 years' roles.
If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail or know someone who this may be of interest to, please contact Leah Overend on (phone number removed) or apply today. (We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation so please do get in contact.)
Our clients are passionate about creating and evolving a diverse workforce and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant. Recruiting decisions are based on your experience and skills. Any reasonable adjustments in the workplace will be fully supported during the application and hiring process.
Head of Cared for Children employer: Baltimore Consulting Limited
Contact Detail:
Baltimore Consulting Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Cared for Children
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the social care sector, especially those who have experience in leadership roles. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential contacts who can provide insights or even referrals for the Head of Cared for Children position.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific Local Authority's recent initiatives and challenges related to children in care. This knowledge will not only help you tailor your discussions during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to improving their services.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in change management and how you've successfully led teams through transitions. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your leadership style and ability to drive improvement agendas.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the statutory requirements and best practices for children in care. Being well-versed in these areas will allow you to speak confidently about how you can ensure compliance and promote outstanding practice within the service.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Cared for Children
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in leading children in care services. Focus on your operational leadership roles, change management successes, and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive improvement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your understanding of the role and how your skills align with the requirements. Emphasise your experience with PLO, Court, CLA, and Care Leavers, and express your passion for improving services for children in care.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention your social work qualification and active registration with Social Work England prominently in your application. If you have a valid enhanced DBS, include this information as well.
Provide Strong References: Prepare a list of references from your most recent five years of roles. Make sure these individuals can speak to your leadership abilities and your impact on service improvement, as this will strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Baltimore Consulting Limited
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Head of Cared for Children, your leadership skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, particularly in change management and improvement agendas. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of 'Good' Practice
The interviewers will want to know what 'Good' looks like in the context of children's care. Prepare to articulate your vision for outstanding practice and how you plan to implement it within the service. Use real-life examples to illustrate your points.
✨Prepare for Questions on Statutory Oversight
Given the role's responsibility for statutory oversight of CLA, be ready to discuss your experience with corporate parenting boards and sufficiency strategies. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and be prepared to explain how you would ensure compliance and best practices.
✨Bring Evidence of Your Improvement Journey
You’ll need to demonstrate a clear track record of driving improvement within services. Prepare case studies or examples that showcase your strategic thinking and the tangible outcomes of your initiatives. This will help convey your capability to lead the improvement agenda effectively.
