At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of high-quality care services for York's residents.
- Company: Join City of York Council, a forward-looking leadership team in a dynamic city.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a committed team focused on innovative, person-centred solutions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community care and improve lives in York.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in adult social care required.
The predicted salary is between 86537 - 95898 £ per year.
Location: York / Hybrid working
Salary: £86,537 – £95,898 plus benefits and relocation support
Term: Full time / Permanent
Employer: City of York Council
Thank you for your interest in joining City of York Council as an Assistant Director, Commissioning, Partnerships and Provision. This is an exciting time to join us in York and become part of a forward-looking leadership team. York’s history is well known but it is also a dynamic, modern city that is going places. While it is popular with the millions that visit each year, its greatest strength is its people.
We have set out a bold vision in our Council Plan “One City, for All” (2023–2027) which focuses on York being a city that prioritises the health of its residents and one that makes access to opportunity fairer for all our residents. It is clear that we cannot deliver our ambitions alone. York’s strong partnerships with community, business and regional stakeholders are key to our success. Like all local authorities, financial challenges exist but how we respond to those challenges is what is important. We are seeking a can-do, highly skilled and effective leader in adult social care who looks for solutions and doing the best for York regardless of the pressures we face. You will lead in making best use of resources and delivering real improvements in services and outcomes for our residents.
To be successful you will be a visible leader who works across traditional boundaries to deliver for the city.
About the role
This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of shaping and delivering high-quality care and support services across the city. As Assistant Director, Commissioning, Partnerships and Provision, you will lead the development and delivery of a sustainable, responsive and diverse care market, ensuring the right services are in place to meet the needs of children, adults and families both now and in the future. With a strong focus on market development and provider management, you will work closely with partners across the health and care system to influence, enable and strengthen provision across the independent, voluntary and community sectors. You will also lead the council’s in-house provider services, ensuring they are high performing, compliant and delivering excellent outcomes for residents.
The role has elements of housing and will involve working across internal and external partnerships and does not include procurement. Operating at system level, you will drive forward a more integrated, community-led approach to care, promoting early intervention, prevention and independence. Central to the role is a commitment to co-production, ensuring the voice and lived experience of residents shape how services are designed, commissioned and delivered.
This is a highly visible and impactful position, requiring strong leadership, commercial acumen and the ability to deliver meaningful change in a complex and financially challenging environment. You will play a key role in ensuring services are not only effective and sustainable, but also person-centred, innovative and focused on improving outcomes for the most vulnerable in our communities.
You will be joining a leadership team that is committed to doing things differently, building on strong partnerships, focusing on what matters most, and ensuring that we deliver real, lasting improvements for the people of York. You will be part of an effective improvement plan and have the opportunity to make a real difference in this career enhancing opportunity.
Closing date: Midnight Sunday 2 August
Assistant Director, Commissioning, Partnerships and Provision employer: Applefields School
Whitby School is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inspiring environment for both students and staff. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, mental health support, and continuous professional development, we empower our employees to grow in their careers while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people. Located in the heart of the Whitby community, our school embodies values of ambition, courage, character, and endeavour, ensuring that every day offers new challenges and rewards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director, Commissioning, Partnerships and Provision
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Applefields School.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Applefields School!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Applefields School, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Applefields School or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director, Commissioning, Partnerships and Provision
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Applefields School:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Applefields School! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Applefields School
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.