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- Tasks: Lead and shape Barnet’s Family Support vision, ensuring timely support for families in need.
- Company: Join Barnet Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, flexible working options, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team committed to innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while leading transformative initiatives.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in Early Help, Education, or Children’s Social Care with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
About Barnet Council
Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centres, vast green spaces and diverse communities all help make it a great place to live and work. As a council we want to build on these strengths as we move into the future. We are growing and developing as an organisation to meet the challenges facing our borough and we are committed to working with partner organisations and residents to make Barnet even better. Our staff are committed to the values: Learning to Improve, Caring, Inclusive, Collaborative – which drive everything we do.
About the Role
This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering Barnet’s Family Support (Early Help) and Prevention vision, including the development of a Team Around the School model. You will lead a borough-wide system that includes Early Years provision, Family Hubs, parenting services, youth interventions, targeted support programmes and our local offers such as Duke of Edinburgh and holiday programmes. You will play a key leadership role ensuring a seamless, holistic, and timely early intervention offer that supports families at the earliest point of need within the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). A core part of the role will be embedding family‑led decision making, whole family practice, and restorative approaches across the family support systems to ensure children remain safe, supported and able to thrive in their families and communities.
About You
- A strong track record in Early Help, Education, Safeguarding, Early Years or Children’s Social Care
- Deep knowledge of early intervention, integrated pathways and multi‑agency partnership working
- Experience operating at scale across complex systems
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship‑building skills
- The vision and drive to lead transformation and deliver evidence‑based practice
- Passion for prevention and improving outcomes for children, young people, and families
Above all, you’ll be committed to working collaboratively with partners across health, education, police, the voluntary and community sector, and local communities to build a preventative and supportive system that is proactive, accessible and impactful.
What We Offer
- A highly supportive and ambitious Senior Leadership Team
- A strong culture of learning, innovation and continuous improvement
- Opportunities to shape and influence system‑wide developments across Barnet
- A commitment to flexible working and professional development
- Being part of a borough known for strong practice and strong partnerships
- 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which provides a valuable guaranteed income in retirement together with security for dependents
- Work‑life balance options may include hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part‑time
- A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more
- Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Employee well‑being training programs including confidential employee assistance
Legal & Equality Statements
Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We operate stringent safer recruitment procedures and provide equal opportunities in the workplace. Barnet Council embraces all forms of flexible working (including part‑time, compressed hours and hybrid working) and is committed to offering employees a healthy work‑life balance. We are a Disability Confident Employer and welcome applications from all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. All posts with the council are subject to a probationary period of six months, during which time you will be required to demonstrate satisfaction with your suitability for the position in which you will be employed.
Head of Service, Family Support employer: Borough of Barnet
Contact Detail:
Borough of Barnet Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service, Family Support
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Barnet Council. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the council's initiatives.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Barnet Council’s values and recent projects. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission of improving outcomes for families and children. Tailor your responses to highlight your leadership skills and collaborative spirit.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how you would shape and deliver the Family Support vision. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to lead transformation and work within multi-agency partnerships.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Barnet Council and contributing to their community-focused goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service, Family Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for family support and early intervention shine through. We want to see your commitment to improving outcomes for children and families, so share your experiences that highlight this drive.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Head of Service, Family Support. Use the job description as a guide and align your skills and experiences with the key responsibilities and values mentioned. This shows us you’ve done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure to highlight your leadership and communication skills effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward and user-friendly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Barnet
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Barnet Council's values and the specific responsibilities of the Head of Service, Family Support role. Familiarise yourself with their approach to early intervention and multi-agency partnership working, as this will show your commitment to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your exceptional leadership and communication skills. Think about times when you've successfully led a team or project, especially in complex systems. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can drive transformation and improve outcomes for families.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with various partners, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share specific instances where you've built strong relationships across sectors like health, education, and community services, showcasing your ability to create impactful partnerships.
✨Be Passionate About Prevention
Express your genuine passion for prevention and improving outcomes for children and families. Prepare to discuss your vision for family-led decision making and restorative approaches, as this aligns with Barnet's goals and will resonate well with the interviewers.