At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape Adult Social Care services to improve health and wellbeing in York.
- Company: City of York Council, committed to innovative leadership and community impact.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, relocation support, robust induction, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on lasting improvements and strong partnerships.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while leading a new cohort of passionate leaders.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and experience in navigating complex systems.
The predicted salary is between 60662 - 68265 £ per year.
Salary: £60,662 to £68,265 plus reviewable market supplement up to £79,480 alongside an attractive benefits package and relocation support.
Location: West Offices York (minimum 3 days per week) / Hybrid working
Contract: Full-time / Permanent
Employer: City of York Council
Thank you for your interest in City of York Council and our Head of Service, Operations opportunities within Adult Social Care.
York is at an important point in the development of our Adult Social Care services. We have taken the opportunity to review our senior leadership structure and service design, ensuring that our arrangements reflect the changing needs of York and give our services the leadership capacity they need. As a result, we are recruiting to several Head of Service, Operations opportunities across Adult Social Care. This offers successful candidates a rare opportunity to join a new leadership cohort, shape how services develop and contribute collectively to the next stage of our improvement journey.
We are already making progress, and we are committed to being open about both our achievements and the areas where we must go further. Our regular Council Plan progress reflects a strong focus on improving health and wellbeing, reducing inequalities and ensuring support is targeted where it is needed most. These priorities are shaping how we modernise services, strengthen prevention, and work more effectively across organisational boundaries.
We are looking for leaders who are visible, collaborative and values-driven, people who are confident working across systems, able to navigate complexity, and motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible difference. These are roles where strategic leadership and operational grip go hand in hand.
We recognise the importance of supporting colleagues as they join us, particularly as we build this new leadership cohort. Successful candidates will benefit from a robust induction and development programme, including support tailored to senior leaders in Adult Social Care, alongside wider corporate development opportunities. As the team comes together, there will also be a strong focus on relationship building, shared learning and developing an effective collective leadership approach.
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 play an important role in delivering our improvement plans and have a genuine opportunity to make a lasting difference for the people of York.
Closing date: Midnight Sunday 11 October
Head of Service, Operations (Adult Social Care) 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 Head of Service, Operations (Adult Social Care)
✨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 Head of Service, Operations (Adult Social Care)
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.
