Head of Service: Mental Health, Learning Disabilities & Autism

Connect2Luton are excited to recruit a Head of Service on behalf of Luton Borough Council.

Main purpose of position: To lead specific strategic areas of activity across the operational service portfolio and ensure that services meet regulatory standards, deliver statutory duties, and are a model of best practice. Take the lead for adult social care, mental health, learning disability and autism integrated arrangements with health to build strong relationships which contribute to the delivery of the Council and departmental objectives, and ensure the reputation of the department and Council. Take responsibility for the direct line management of the Community Learning Disabilities and Autism teams (CLDAT) that sits within ASC and oversee the relationship between NHS East London Foundation Trust (ELFT) in the effective delivery and quality assurance of the council's statutory responsibilities for social care for those with mental health needs, and the Emergency Duty Team which includes the AMHP function.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for mental health, learning disabilities and autism services with the responsibility for the operational delivery of social work/care for people with ongoing care and support needs on behalf of the local authority, ensuring the statutory requirements of the local authority as relating to the delivery of the Care Act, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, and other legislative functions and accountabilities are met.
• Direct line management of social work activity delivered through CLDAT and oversight of the relationship between ELFT in the effective delivery and quality assurance of the council's statutory responsibilities for those impacted by mental health needs.
• Contribute to the planning, development and delivery of high-quality social care, leading the development of best practice, taking account of new government initiatives, guidance and legislation.
• Provide strategic leadership and operational responsibility for a number of policy and practice areas across mental health, learning disabilities and autism including but not limited to, Section 117 Aftercare, Section 75 Agreement joint funding arrangements and locality/neighbourhood working.
• Responsible for working as part of the ASC Senior Leadership Team, ensure effective management, financial sustainability and demand reduction.
• Contribute to the strategic development of ASC including decision making, performance management and accountability frameworks of the service.
• Responsibility for establishing, monitoring and taking corrective action in respect of the performance of social care, nursing and occupational therapy services and be able to demonstrate the delivery of high-quality adult social care in Luton.
• Work collaboratively within the division to prepare for CQC inspection and embed a systematic approach of continuous improvement and self-assessment.
• Ensure the efficient and effective use of financial resources, demonstrating sound financial management to ensure cost effectiveness and value for money in the use of the purchased care budget.
• Responsibility for continuous monitoring and management of the budget for this service area, including regular forecasting and development of mitigation plans to ensure the budget remains balanced. Providing appropriate challenge to all departmental spend.

Skills and Experience:

• Senior management and leadership experience of operational services in a large complex social care setting.
• Substantial experience of managing large complex budgets.
• Highly developed leadership skills with the ability to articulate a vision for delivery and to command loyalty and commitment to the vision.
• Strong management skills - including people, and performance management. Showing resilience and drive, including the ability to cope in times of crisis.
• Highly developed skills in managing large budgets, effectively profiling spend and managing within resources and delivering efficiencies.
• Successful management of significant organisational change, including culture change, change management programmes and project management - including the development of a performance management culture in operational services.
• Decisive and able to exercise judgement within an agreed framework and able to assess and manage high levels of risk.
• Be politically astute and able to build high levels of credibility and impact quickly, working within networks to delivering through and with others.
• Ability to evaluate and improve organisational performance and motivate teams in accepting and embracing change.
• Significant knowledge of Care Act application, personalisation and wider Adult Social Care Reform.
• Extensive legal literacy in relation to the Statutory responsibilities for social care Mental Health Act, Care Act, Capacity Act & Human Rights Act and other associated legislation, including continuing care and safeguarding legislation and practice and an excellent understanding of the Care Quality Commission regulatory framework adult social care functions.
• Relevant professional qualification - DipSW, CQSW or equivalent Dipcot or equivalent qualification.
• Demonstrate commitment to ongoing learning.
• Be available for out of hours senior management cover on a rota basis on occasions at short notice.

About Us: Luton Borough Council have partnered with Kent County Council to create Connect2Luton, a recruitment managed service for all contingent temporary agency, contract, and interim roles at the Council. Our heritage and being local government owned which means we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise within the public sector, with many of our employees having previously worked for the Council or have supplied previously into the Council, for several years. We are an equal opportunities employment agency and business that positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates. Connect2Luton is a trading style of Luton & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Luton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Luton is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.