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- Tasks: Lead transformational change in Adult Social Care and oversee high-quality service delivery.
- Company: Join Barnsley Council, an award-winning organisation making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on vulnerable adults and their families while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in Adult Social Care with strong safeguarding and governance skills.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performing council recognised for its excellence in service delivery.
The predicted salary is between 85038 - 93308 £ per year.
Now is the time to come and work for Barnsley Council Adult Services and be part of the transformational change we are making. We are seeking to appoint an exceptional and experienced Head of Service to support our new Neighbourhood Operating Model within Adult Social Care that will oversee the safe and effective delivery of care and support alongside having an extensive proven track record of managing Mental Health, DOLS & Learning Disability Services.
As the responsible Head of Service, you will have excellent leadership skills, bringing an ability to balance strategic priorities and operational workload. You will maintain high-quality services whilst managing the overall performance of service delivery. This role also has an important external element drawing on your proven skills working with partners across the system. This will draw on your communication skills, stakeholder management and commitment to relationship-based practice.
The postholder will support the Service Director to deliver statutory obligations and deliver high quality, safe and effective operational services. The postholder will be responsible for the operational management of an agreed portfolio of services which will also include Mental Health, DOLS, Emergency duty team & Learning Disabilities, ensuring the effective and efficient use of allocated resources to provide a service organised around the needs of Barnsley residents and our local communities.
You will be committed to delivering high performing, high quality services understanding how to motivate your services and providing containment at busy times. You will be passionate about making a difference to our most vulnerable adults, their families, and networks, using this to lead and motivate your teams. This is a senior leadership role and the postholder will be required to work in collaboration with the Adult Social Care senior leadership team, Health partners and the wider Council.
With a proven track record of effective leadership evidence of strong performance and high-quality governance, workforce planning, emergency planning and ongoing business development, the postholder will promote a culture of innovation, involvement and quality improvement. Reporting to the Service Director and working closely with senior managers and operational leaders, you will provide strategic and operational leadership alongside the ability to deliver transformation, embed change and work within financial constraints.
Key Responsibilities- Set and monitor practice standards across ASC; leading and implementing learnings from the Quality Assurance Framework, thematic audits and learning loops.
- Provide expert safeguarding leadership; strengthen governance, performance, and MSP outcomes.
- Ensure robust DoLS processes and MCA practice, working closely with legal and partners.
- Inspirational, visible, and credible leadership capabilities.
- Contribute to transformation programmes and workforce strategy with directorate, aligning improvements to the Adult Social Care Strategy and the Council 2040 Plan.
- Lead professional development via the Principal Social Worker, champion supervision, reflective practice, ASYE / Practice Education expectations.
- Leadership experience in Adult Social Care safeguarding / quality with clear impact on practice and outcomes.
- Deep knowledge of the Care Act, MCA/DoLS, and safeguarding statutory guidance, with confidence to lead complex risk management.
- Strong audit, governance, and improvement skills; ability to turn insights into coaching, standards and measurable change.
- Collaborative, values-driven leadership able to inspire professional communities and build effective multi-agency partnerships.
You would be joining a double award-winning, high-performing Council with a growing economy, a thriving town centre and some truly impressive outcomes in our communities. We were awarded Council of the Year for 2023 by the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) and The Municipal Journal (MJ). Our excellent Adult Services has been a key part of our win; we’re so proud of what we’ve achieved not just for the council but for our partners and Barnsley.
For more information, visit Barnsley Council Adult Social Care. You can also visit this website for further information about this position: Head of Adult Social Care (mental health and disabilities).
For a confidential conversation, please contact our retained consultants at Tile Hill: Helen Alwell – helen.alwell@tile-hill.co.uk / 07931 543313, Anita Denton – anita.denton@tile-hill.co.uk / 07725 554802.
Closing date for Applications: Tuesday 5th May 2026 at 9:00am. Final Panel Interviews: Friday 15 May 2026 (in person in Barnsley).
Head of Service, Adult Social Care in Barnsley employer: Barnsley Council
Contact Detail:
Barnsley Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service, Adult Social Care in Barnsley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the adult social care sector. Attend local events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to key players. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Barnsley Council and their recent initiatives in adult social care. Be ready to discuss how your leadership experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit for their transformational change.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm and fit for the role. It shows you’re genuinely interested and keeps you top of mind.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Barnsley Council and being part of their award-winning team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service, Adult Social Care in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to the role!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Service, your leadership experience is crucial. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams and managed complex situations. We love a good story that shows your impact!
Be Clear and Concise: While we appreciate detail, clarity is key! Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and keep your sentences snappy. We want to get to know you quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Care Act, MCA/DoLS, and safeguarding statutory guidance. Brush up on your knowledge of the Neighbourhood Operating Model and how it applies to Adult Social Care. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but are also prepared to lead effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of your past leadership experiences, especially in Adult Social Care. Think about times when you've inspired teams or managed complex situations. Be ready to discuss how you can motivate and support your staff during busy times, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working closely with partners across the system, be prepared to talk about your experience in stakeholder management. Share specific examples of how you've built effective multi-agency partnerships and how you plan to continue doing so in this position.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Quality Improvement
Highlight your experience with quality assurance frameworks and how you've implemented learnings from audits in the past. Discuss your approach to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within your teams, as this aligns perfectly with the council's goals.