At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance adult social care services in diverse neighbourhoods.
- Company: Join the dynamic London Borough of Newham, committed to community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values dignity, independence, and community spirit.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping essential frontline support.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in operational management required.
The predicted salary is between 77610 - 98436 £ per year.
About the role
Salary: £77,610 – £98,436 pa
Qualified Social Worker
Min of 3 Days in the office/borough
Lead frontline delivery. Strengthen neighbourhood practice. Drive system flow and independence.
Newham is one of London’s most dynamic and diverse boroughs, entering a new phase of stability, investment and ambition. With strengthened governance and clearer priorities, we are building a leadership team that can deliver visible improvement with pace, purpose and heart. We are looking for a confident, compassionate and operationally skilled leader who can shape high‑quality adult social care practice where it matters most, in neighbourhoods, communities and frontline services.
As Assistant Director for Early Intervention & Neighbourhood Operational Services, you will bring strong operational management expertise, safeguarding confidence and the ability to lead multi‑disciplinary teams in a complex, fast‑moving environment.
You will model Newham’s HEART values, champion strengths‑based practice, and motivate several hundred staff delivering essential frontline support. Your leadership will help shape a culture that places dignity, independence and community wellbeing at the centre of everything we do.
You will oversee a wide portfolio of statutory and preventative services, including Access and Discharge, Hospital‑to‑Home pathways, Rapid Response, Neighbourhood Long‑Term Teams, Reablement, Occupational Therapy, and support for residents facing homelessness or rough sleeping. You will hold responsibility for ensuring safe operational delivery, strong partnership working, robust safeguarding arrangements, and effective performance, budget and workforce management.
You will work closely with health partners, voluntary sector colleagues and other statutory agencies to strengthen integration, improve flow and deliver better outcomes for residents.
If you are an ambitious, authentic and energised leader who can drive improvement, build strong relationships and lead frontline teams with clarity and compassion, we’d love to hear from you.
We Are Newham. Join us!
For more information, please refer to the Job Description here
Application Deadline: 23:59pm on Thursday 23rd July 2026
Additional Information
We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.
The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.
We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by here.
Assistant Director of Early Intervention and Neighbourhood Operational Services in London employer: Borough of Newham
The London Borough of Newham is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises community wellbeing and professional growth. As an Assistant Director, you will lead a passionate team dedicated to delivering high-quality adult social care, with ample opportunities for career advancement and the chance to make a meaningful impact in one of London's most diverse boroughs. With a commitment to anti-racism and inclusivity, Newham fosters a culture where every employee can thrive and contribute to positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Early Intervention and Neighbourhood Operational Services in London
✨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 Borough of Newham.
✨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 Borough of Newham!
✨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 Borough of Newham, 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 Borough of Newham 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 Assistant Director of Early Intervention and Neighbourhood Operational Services in London
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 Borough of Newham:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Borough of Newham! 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 Borough of Newham
✨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.
