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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic adoption agency, ensuring top-notch service delivery and compliance.
- Company: Join a reputable organisation dedicated to improving children's lives through adoption services.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and the chance to make a real impact in the community.
- Why this job: This role offers a unique opportunity to shape adoption services and support families in need.
- Qualifications: You need a Social Work degree, registration with Social Work England, and senior leadership experience.
- Other info: This is a temporary position for approximately 4 months, starting immediately.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Bournemouth-based (Hybrid working required)
Contract: Temporary (Approx. 4 months)
Start: Immediate, subject to interview
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Service to lead a high-performing adoption agency. This is a fantastic interim opportunity for a senior social work professional with a passion for delivering outstanding outcomes for children and families.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage a regional adoption service
- Oversee strategic planning, operational delivery, and service development
- Ensure compliance with legislation, Ofsted standards, and local authority policies
- Provide leadership to a team of 30+ professionals
- Manage service performance, quality assurance, and safeguarding practices
- Act as Registered Manager for inspections and regulatory bodies
- Oversee budgets, stakeholder engagement, and service user participation
Requirements:
- Degree in Social Work and registration with Social Work England
- Significant senior leadership experience in children’s social care or adoption services
- Strong understanding of national adoption policy and regulatory frameworks
- Proven ability to lead multi-agency teams and deliver high-quality services
- Must be able to attend the office in Bournemouth as required
Head of Children Adoption Services employer: Hatched Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
Hatched Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Children Adoption Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the adoption and social care sectors. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn about current trends and challenges in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest legislation and Ofsted standards related to adoption services. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and quality service delivery.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing multi-agency teams. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led teams to achieve high-quality outcomes for children and families.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter and our values, especially regarding child welfare and family support. Tailoring your conversation to align with our mission can make a strong impression during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Children Adoption Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in social work and leadership roles. Emphasise your achievements in managing adoption services and any compliance with Ofsted standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for children's welfare and your strategic vision for leading an adoption agency. Mention specific examples of how you've improved service delivery in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your degree in Social Work and your registration with Social Work England. Include any additional certifications or training that demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Prepare for Interview Questions: Anticipate questions related to your leadership style, experience with multi-agency teams, and knowledge of national adoption policies. Prepare thoughtful responses that reflect your expertise and strategic thinking.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hatched Recruitment Group
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Head of Children Adoption Services, it's crucial to highlight your previous leadership roles. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed performance, and implemented strategic changes in past positions.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Legislation
Familiarise yourself with current legislation and Ofsted standards relevant to adoption services. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance and how this impacts service delivery, as this will show your understanding of the regulatory environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you navigated them, particularly in multi-agency settings.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Perspectives
Since stakeholder engagement is key in this role, prepare to discuss how you would involve various stakeholders in the adoption process. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with families, local authorities, and other agencies in the past.
