At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation in Adult Social Care, focusing on access and early intervention.
- Company: Dynamic organisation committed to improving adult social care services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to innovation and excellence in service delivery.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while driving impactful change in the community.
- Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience in Adult Social Care and proven track record of improvement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 71713 £ per year.
The client is seeking a Deputy Head of Service with responsibility for Access and early intervention within Adult Social Care. The role will help drive system-wide change at pace, translating strategic intent into operational reality and delivering timely, proportionate responses for new referrals.
You will lead the transformation of access and duty arrangements from the first point of contact, with a focus on safeguarding already being in place so the priority can remain on improving access, flow, and prevention.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading Access and Duty transformation
- Driving digital access and self-assessment to expand information, advice, and prevention through online pathways
- Embedding a reablement-first approach to support delivery of a new model launching in January 2026
- Expanding preventative practice and maximising the effective use of Occupational Therapists at the front door
- Providing confident leadership and managing a Team Manager
- Designing scalable structures and processes
- Working closely with partners and internal stakeholders to improve outcomes, demand management, and user experience
The client is looking for senior operational leadership experience in Adult Social Care, ideally across front-door or access services, with a strong track record of improvement delivery. You should have proven experience redesigning pathways, processes, and performance, and strong knowledge of reablement and prevention, including strengths-based practice. Experience leading managers and teams through change and growth is required, along with in-depth Local Authority experience and a sound understanding of adult social care legislation and duties.
The client is committed to building a diverse workforce and will fully support reasonable adjustments throughout the application and hiring process.
Deputy Head of Service Access and Duty employer: BlueSteps Connect
As a leading employer in Adult Social Care, we offer a dynamic work environment that prioritises innovation and transformation in service delivery. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our supportive culture, where you will have the opportunity to lead impactful change while collaborating with dedicated professionals. Located in a vibrant community, we provide a unique chance to make a meaningful difference in people's lives through preventative practices and reablement-focused approaches.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Service Access and Duty
✨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 BlueSteps Connect.
✨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 BlueSteps Connect!
✨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 BlueSteps Connect, 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 BlueSteps Connect 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 Deputy Head of Service Access and Duty
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 BlueSteps Connect:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to BlueSteps Connect! 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 BlueSteps Connect
✨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.
