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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic adoption service, ensuring top-notch outcomes for children and families.
- Company: Join a reputable agency dedicated to transforming lives through adoption in Bournemouth.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: This role offers impactful work, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape children's futures.
- Qualifications: You need a Social Work degree, registration with Social Work England, and senior leadership experience.
- Other info: This is a temporary role 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
- 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 UK
Contact Detail:
Hatched Recruitment UK 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 stakeholders, which can help you gain insights into the current challenges and opportunities in children's adoption services.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest national adoption policies and regulatory frameworks. This knowledge will not only prepare you for interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in this ever-evolving field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing multi-agency teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams to deliver high-quality services in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter and our values, especially regarding children's welfare and family outcomes. 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 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Children Adoption Services. Understand the key responsibilities and requirements, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experience.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your senior leadership experience in children's social care or adoption services. Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and deliver high-quality services.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for delivering outstanding outcomes for children and families. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you meet the requirements outlined in the job description.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hatched Recruitment UK
✨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 in social care or adoption services, focusing on outcomes and improvements you've driven.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Legislation
Familiarise yourself with current legislation and Ofsted standards relevant to children's 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 past challenges you've faced in similar 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 service users and other stakeholders in the development of adoption services. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully engaged with diverse groups to improve service delivery.
