Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Family Help and Protection Service, focusing on child welfare and protection.
- Company: Join St Helens Borough Council, a modernizing council dedicated to supporting children and families.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with a commitment to staff development and well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working with a passionate and skilled team.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's social care and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: This role is fixed term until March 2026, with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Welcome to the St Helens Borough Council online job application portal.
This Post is available to INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL APPLICANTS.
Job Title
Head of Family Help and Protection Service
Job Reference
S22
Department
Grade
Head of Service Grade 1, Senior Officer 06 – 08
Pay
Hours
37 hours per week
Closing Date
19 January 2025
Job Description
We are St Helens Borough Council. Located in the heart of the Northwest close to Liverpool, Manchester and Lancashire, 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.
Making a Difference as Head of Family Help and Protection Service
A vacancy has arisen following the previous post holder’s internal move. We are seeking a skilled, enthusiastic leader to join a stable and experienced HOS team.
You will be supported by an AD with substantial experience in Children’s Social Care who together with all the wider managers and staff has successfully improved the quality of care provided to our children. We are very proud of our achievements to date and the recognition from the regulators confirming we are “good” provides that affirmation. However, our greatest accolade is the strength of our staff’s relationships with our children. That is what we want you to promote and continue at the heart of all that you do.
This is a critical role currently responsible for child in need, child protection and court work predominantly, working closely with a variety of external and internal stakeholders from early help to children we look after. It is an exciting time to join us as we adapt and change our service delivery in line with the national reform of Children’s Services.
Interested to Find Out More?
You can review our full job description details, and person specification information here.
For an informal discussion please contact and leave contact details.
St Helens is a great place to work so why not visit our Children’s Services web page here to see what our colleagues have to say and discover our full range of in work benefits.
These posts are subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure. This is a politically restricted post.
Important Dates
Closing date: Sunday 19th Jan 2025
Interview date: TBC
Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a sufficient number of applications and encourage you to apply early, to avoid disappointment.
Equality & Diversity
St Helens Borough Council respects and values the individuality that every employee brings. 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. Further information about Equality & Diversity at St Helens Borough Council can be found here .
St Helens Borough Council is a Disability Confident Leader and Employer. This means that 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.
NOLAN Principles of Conduct in Public Life
All Council employees are required to abide by the ethical standards embodied by the 7 Nolan Principles: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty, and Leadership.
Note: CVs should not be submitted as a replacement for the online job application form.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Family Help and Protection Service Fixed Term until 31 March 2026 employer: St Helens Council
Contact Detail:
St Helens Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Family Help and Protection Service Fixed Term until 31 March 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the current initiatives and reforms in Children's Services. Understanding the national context will help you demonstrate your awareness of the challenges and opportunities in the field during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the sector, especially those who have experience in child protection and family services. Building relationships can provide you with insights and potentially valuable references.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the values of St Helens Borough Council. Highlighting your commitment to building strong relationships with staff and children will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the achievements of the current Family Help and Protection Service. Being able to speak knowledgeably about their successes and how you can contribute to further improvements will set you apart as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Family Help and Protection Service Fixed Term until 31 March 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description and person specification. Understand the key responsibilities and the skills required for the Head of Family Help and Protection Service position.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your application to highlight your relevant experience in children's social care, leadership, and working with diverse stakeholders. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to make a difference in children's lives.
Showcase Your Values: Reflect on how your personal values align with those of St Helens Borough Council, particularly regarding equality, diversity, and inclusion. Mention any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to these principles.
Follow Application Guidelines: Ensure you complete the online application form as instructed. Avoid submitting a CV as a replacement for the application form, and double-check all sections for accuracy before submitting.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Helens Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the responsibilities of the Head of Family Help and Protection Service. Familiarize yourself with child protection laws, court work, and the specific needs of children in care. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in challenging situations within children's services.
✨Highlight Relationship Building
The job emphasizes the importance of relationships with children and families. Be ready to discuss your approach to building trust and rapport with vulnerable populations, and provide specific examples of how you've made a positive impact.
✨Emphasize Commitment to Diversity
St Helens Borough Council values diversity and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you have promoted these values in your previous roles and how you plan to continue this commitment in your new position.
