At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop children's services, ensuring quality outcomes for those in need.
- Company: Join the City of Edinburgh Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a focus on respect, integrity, and flexibility.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping innovative service delivery.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work and leadership within children's services required.
The predicted salary is between 94901 - 106811 £ per year.
Waverley Court
Salary: £94,901 - £106,811
Hours: 36 per week
To be primarily responsible for the performance, efficiency and development of a major children's service:
- Early Intervention
- Corporate Parenting
- Social work practice
- Complex Safeguarding
- Performance, Quality and Compliance
Manage a major service area of the Council. Responsible for the effective delivery of statutory services for either of the above service areas. Ensure that services are improving outcomes to those in need of essential quality of life services across the city. Undertake regular practice evaluations and address improvements in practice where required.
Lead on the development of initiatives, strategic plans and policy development within own area of expertise and across the department and council, as required. Work effectively with partners including the Third and voluntary service. Manage and monitor the performance of external consultants and contractors. Effectively lead and develop team-working within own area of expertise and across the wider environment in which the post-holder operates.
Deputise for the Service Director, other service managers, or represent the Corporate Director and/or the Council as required. Work closely with Chief Officers, Elected Members, senior officers and external agencies to represent the Council's interests. Take personal responsibility for the development of sustainable strategic plans, service delivery and development.
To initiate, develop and manage the implementation of major innovative projects. Secure funding packages and ensure delivery to budget and within timescale. Responsible for the preparation and content of reports, strategic plans, other documents, briefings, presentations and FOIs for Council meetings, external agencies, senior officers, including the Corporate Leadership Team and the relevant committees as well as business and stakeholder groups.
Ensure and demonstrate the services under their control provide best value. Set standards, policies and procedures which ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities, national legislation, standing orders, delegated authority, Council policies, aims and objectives. Lead on identifying and establishing effective management arrangements for key risks within the service, compliant with the Council's risk management policy and framework.
Identify opportunities for continual improvement and demonstrate effective management of change within a complex internal and external environment particularly during a time of restructure. Present expert evidence and opinion at Public Enquiries, hearings and court proceedings etc. Support the Council's democratic process, including scrutiny, local development committees, meetings of the Council and Elected Members.
This post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. An unconditional offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory.
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers and LGBT people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care-experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
Find out more about our commitment to equalities here.
As part of our goal to improve organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure we're recruiting the best people. We're interested not only in your skills and experience but also in your approach to work. Therefore, part of our interview process will be an assessment of how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.
You can find out more on Our Behaviours web page.
Our salary range typically reflects the initial starting salary and annually increases until it reaches the top of the range. Happy to talk flexible working.
Follow us on X at @edincounciljobs.
Head of Children's Services - Complex Safeguarding - 16047_1787053133 employer: CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
The City of Edinburgh Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels valued and empowered. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer flexible working options and a supportive culture that prioritises respect, integrity, and flexibility, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the heart of Edinburgh.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Children's Services - Complex Safeguarding - 16047_1787053133
✨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 CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL.
✨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 CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL!
✨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 CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL, 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 CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL 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 Head of Children's Services - Complex Safeguarding - 16047_1787053133
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 CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL! 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 CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
✨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.
