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- Tasks: Lead transformative change in Mental Health and Disability services, ensuring high-quality care.
- Company: Join Barnsley Council and make a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of Adult Social Care and improving community wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience in Adult Social Care and deep knowledge of safeguarding practices required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for impactful leadership and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 85038 - 93308 £ per year.
Position reference: 50007806/785291
Directorate: Place Health & Adult Social Care | Service: Adult Social Care & Health
Salary: £85,038 - £93,308
Working Arrangements: Hybrid
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
We are happy to talk flexible working arrangements with you.
Closing date: 06/02/2026 at 23:59
Important notes: This post is politically restricted. The successful candidate will be required to speak English to an appropriate standard and be available outside of normal service hours as part of a standby rota. A standardised standby payment will be made for these duties. This post requires an Enhanced DBS Check.
Overseas checks: If you have lived overseas in the last five years and are the preferred candidate, you will be required to obtain an overseas criminal records check. If you have difficulty obtaining this check, please email dbs@barnsley.gov.uk.
Visas and sponsorship: When applying, please be prepared with the necessary legal documents, such as a valid visa. Our organisation does not possess a Home Office sponsorship license and cannot sponsor visas for skilled or temporary migrant workers.
Pensions: Pensions Regulations may affect pension payments if you return to local government service after commencing employment. Seek advice from the Pensions Authority if applicable.
About Barnsley Council: You can start a career that makes a real difference to people’s lives. This is a senior leadership role within Barnsley Council Adult Services as part of a transformational change, overseeing safe and effective care and support and managing Mental Health, DOLS & Learning Disability Services.
Key Responsibilities
- Set and monitor practice standards across ASC; lead and implement 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.
- Demonstrate inspirational, visible, and credible leadership.
- Contribute to transformation programmes and workforce strategy, 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.
What You’ll Bring
- 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; ability to lead complex risk management.
- Strong audit, governance, and improvement skills; ability to translate insights into coaching, standards and measurable change.
- Collaborative, values-driven leadership able to inspire professional communities and build multiagency partnerships.
We welcome applicants who can contribute to a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage flexible working arrangements where feasible. CVs are not accepted for this role.
Head of Service - Mental Health & Disability 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 - Mental Health & Disability in Barnsley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. We want you to show how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your leadership skills in Adult Social Care.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. We believe that a little gratitude can make a big difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly helps us keep track of your application and gives you a better chance of standing out.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service - Mental Health & Disability in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand what we're looking for. Highlight key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description, and think about how your experience aligns with them.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We want to see how your unique skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for this role. Use specific examples from your past that demonstrate your leadership and expertise in Adult Social Care.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded sentences. Make sure your passion for the role shines through without overwhelming us with unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us and gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining our team at Barnsley Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Care Act, MCA/DoLS, and safeguarding statutory guidance. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've demonstrated inspirational leadership in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you’ve led teams or projects, especially in Adult Social Care, and be ready to share the outcomes.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle complex risk management or safeguarding issues. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your experience in building multi-agency partnerships. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked collaboratively with other professionals to achieve positive outcomes in your previous roles.
