At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support teams to improve outcomes for vulnerable young people in care.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on children's welfare and support.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and immediate impact on service delivery.
- Other info: Urgent role with opportunities for immediate influence and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of children in care and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in children’s services and social work qualification required.
Initial 3–6 month contract | Start ASAP
£500–£550 per day
Inside IR35 (via umbrella)
Hybrid working (minimum 3 days per week in the office)
CVs are being reviewed immediately and interviews will be taking place week commencing 10th June 2026.
Are you an experienced Head of Service – Children in Care & Care Leavers ready to step into a high-impact role where your leadership will directly shape outcomes for vulnerable young people? This is a critical opportunity for a confident Head of Service – Children in Care & Care Leavers to support and stabilise an established service, leading from the front during a period of demand and complexity.
Your role as Head of Service – Children in Care & Care Leavers:
- Provide strong operational leadership, ensuring statutory duties are delivered effectively
- Lead and support staff through high-pressure environments, promoting wellbeing and resilience
- Drive service performance and improvement, ensuring positive outcomes for children and care leavers
- Champion corporate parenting responsibilities, embedding best practice across teams
- Build and maintain effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
Your previous experience as Head of Service – Children in Care & Care Leavers:
- Proven leadership within children in care services at senior management level
- Demonstrable experience supporting teams through challenging and complex periods
- Strong understanding of statutory frameworks, legislation, and inspection requirements
- Track record of driving performance, managing risk, and delivering outcomes
- Social Work qualification with extensive experience in a Local Authority setting
This is an urgent requirement with immediate impact – perfect for a Head of Service – Children in Care & Care Leavers who can quickly establish credibility, provide strong leadership, and bring stability to a dedicated workforce.
If you're interested in discussing this role in more detail or know someone who would be a strong fit for the Head of Service – Children in Care & Care Leavers, please contact Leah Overend or David Midgley on 0117 3137110 or apply today.
We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation. Our clients are committed to building a diverse workforce. Recruiting decisions are based solely on skills and experience, and any reasonable adjustments will be fully supported throughout the process.
Head of Children in Care & Care Leavers in Sheffield employer: Baltimore Consulting
As a leading authority in children's services, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the well-being and professional growth of our staff. Our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to continuous improvement ensures that you will have ample opportunities for development and career progression. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable young people in a supportive and dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Children in Care & Care Leavers in Sheffield
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Baltimore Consulting, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Children in Care & Care Leavers in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Baltimore Consulting. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Baltimore Consulting. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Baltimore Consulting
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Baltimore Consulting.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Head of Children in Care & Care Leavers role at Baltimore Consulting, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Baltimore Consulting that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
