Head of Service - Cared for Children
Head of Service - Cared for Children

Head of Service - Cared for Children

London Full-Time 100000 - 140000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage services for cared for children, ensuring compliance and positive outcomes.
  • Company: Liquid Personnel is a leading agency in social work, dedicated to supporting vulnerable children.
  • Benefits: Enjoy excellent pay, long-term contracts, and access to exclusive training resources.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Must hold Social Work England registration and a relevant degree.
  • Other info: Flexible support for candidates with disabilities during recruitment and employment.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 140000 Β£ per year.

Location: Cheshire East

Pay Rate: 500 Per Day

Liquid Personnel is currently seeking a Head of Service to lead Cheshire East's Cared for Children teams.

About Job: Within this role you will lead and manage all aspects of cared for services, including the following Ofsted regulated services; fostering, adoption, residential care, care leavers and care planning. You will also be responsible for ensuring all aspects of these services comply with legislation, government guidance and deliver the best possible outcomes for children.

What will your responsibilities be?

  • Ensure there is effective care planning pathways so children can achieve a permanent family either through adoption, fostering or kinship arrangements.
  • Lead and manage a sufficient supply of local value for money care placements and supported accommodation.
  • Develop and deliver the role of 'Responsible Individual' for all Ofsted registered services.
  • Manage services to ensure cared for children have the life skills and education and are prepared for the work of work and independence.
  • Develop and oversee the implementation of appropriate policies and procedures in relation to assessment care planning to ensure the service complies with its duties and responsibilities to safeguard children and young people in Cheshire East.
  • Lead, develop, monitor and review a range of sub regional collaborates or enterprises to deliver effective and efficient adoption services.
  • Ensure the delivery of high quality social work service and support to cared for children and care leavers.
  • Provide the support and professional development of staff including supervision, appraisals, to ensure staff are supported to deliver high quality services in line with the priorities of the service.
  • Work with 'Communities Services' to ensure that local communities are supporting cared for children to do well.
  • Discharge the role of Agency Decision Maker for fostering and adoption in consultation with the Director of Children Social Care.

Additional Responsibilities can be provided when discussed with myself Emma Cousins over the phone.

Benefits:

  • Excellent rate of pay.
  • Reporting directly to a supportive director of children's services.
  • Chance to make a difference to the overall service including working with Partner Agencies.
  • Long term contracts available.

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Hold a Social Work England registration.
  • Be eligible to work in the UK.
  • Hold a full UK driving licence.
  • Social Work Qualification, degree or equivalent.

Why Liquid Personnel?

  • Free DBS and compliance service.
  • Twice weekly payroll and 'Faster Pay' service, getting you paid more quickly.
  • Access to exclusive roles that aren’t available from other agencies.
  • Free access to Liquid's exclusive social work training and CPD portal.
  • Your own dedicated consultant with extensive social work knowledge.
  • Access to a wide selection of social work positions across the UK.
  • 'Refer a Friend' bonus - get 500 for each social worker you refer who we successfully place.
  • 'Find your own job' bonus - get 250 for bringing your own position to us.

Liquid Personnel is an equal opportunities employer. Liquid Personnel Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Terms and conditions apply to our bonus schemes.

Reasonable Adjustments: If you consider yourself to have a disability or require any reasonable adjustment during the recruitment process or within the workplace, please highlight this at the earliest opportunity by contacting our team. With this information, we will provide appropriate support to you throughout the process and into your work placement.

We are unable to support or accept applications from candidates who are residents within the Red or Amber list of the Code of practice for the international recruitment of health and social care personnel in England, based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) Workforce Support and Safeguard List.

Head of Service - Cared for Children employer: Liquid Personnel

Liquid Personnel is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture where you can truly make a difference in the lives of cared for children in Cheshire East. With competitive pay rates, long-term contract opportunities, and access to exclusive training resources, we prioritise your professional growth while ensuring you have the tools needed to deliver high-quality services. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values collaboration with partner agencies and local communities, fostering an environment where both staff and children thrive.
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Contact Detail:

Liquid Personnel Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Head of Service - Cared for Children

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the social work field, especially those who have experience in managing services for cared for children. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential contacts who can provide insights or even referrals.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest legislation and government guidance related to cared for children services. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment and expertise during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Consider volunteering or taking on consultancy roles within organisations that focus on fostering, adoption, or residential care. This hands-on experience can enhance your understanding of the challenges faced in these areas and make you a more attractive candidate.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlighting your leadership skills and ability to deliver positive outcomes for children will set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service - Cared for Children

Leadership Skills
Strategic Planning
Knowledge of Ofsted Regulations
Child Protection Legislation
Care Planning Expertise
Budget Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Team Development and Supervision
Policy Development
Collaboration with Partner Agencies
Social Work Practice
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Empathy and Understanding of Children's Needs

Some tips for your application 🫑

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Service - Cared for Children position. Familiarise yourself with the specific services mentioned, such as fostering, adoption, and care planning.

Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in social work, particularly in leadership roles or within cared for services. Emphasise your qualifications, including your Social Work England registration and any relevant training.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for improving outcomes for children in care. Discuss your vision for the role and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Highlight Compliance Knowledge: Since the role involves ensuring compliance with legislation and government guidance, be sure to mention your understanding of relevant laws and regulations in your application. This will demonstrate your capability to manage the services effectively.

How to prepare for a job interview at Liquid Personnel

✨Understand the Role Thoroughly

Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Service role. Familiarise yourself with Ofsted regulations and the specific services you'll be managing, such as fostering and adoption.

✨Showcase Leadership Experience

Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles and how you've successfully managed teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight any experience you have in developing policies or improving service delivery for children in care.

✨Demonstrate Commitment to Child Welfare

Be ready to articulate your passion for child welfare and how you plan to ensure the best outcomes for cared for children. Share examples of how you've previously advocated for children's needs and rights.

✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewer

Think of insightful questions to ask about the organisation's current challenges and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the position aligns with your values and career aspirations.

Head of Service - Cared for Children
Liquid Personnel
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