At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic and operational work for children in care in Dorset.
- Company: Connect2Dorset, a trusted partner of Dorset Council.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £600 a day and immediate start.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work leadership and management required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Hybrid - County Hall in Dorchester
£600 a day
Inside IR35
Immediate Start
About Connect2Dorset
Connect2Dorset is the managed service recruitment partner to Dorset Council, providing temporary, contract, and interim opportunities across the organisation. Built on values of being ethical, trustworthy, and caring, our profits are reinvested back into our Local Authority shareholders.
We are looking for an interim Head of Permanence to lead our strategic and operational work for children in care in Dorset. Dorset are a learning partner with the DfE on the Enduring Relationships strategy, and we are keen to continue to develop our offer for children in our care and our care experienced young people. As part of this work we are looking for a leader that can enhance our approaches to reunification, life long links, life story, permanence planning and preparation for adulthood using best practice and creating opportunities for innovation.
You will have line management responsibility for the service manager for our permanence service which includes three permanence teams. You will also use your expertise to oversee and influence the work with children in care in our localities to ensure that all our children experience high quality care planning and permanence planning. You will work collaboratively with our children in care health team, IRO service, virtual school teams, fostering and residential teams to achieve the best outcomes for our children.
Purpose and impact
The main purpose of the role is to provide strategic and operational leadership/management to deliver statutory social work service pathways. The role is delivered against a clear set of national legislative and statutory frameworks under the Children Act 1989, the Care Act 2014 and other relevant legislation. To provide the Senior Leadership and management of relevant statutory social work services and multi professional arrangements. To work as a member of a senior leadership team within allocated areas responsible for the joint delivery of identified outcomes for vulnerable adults, children, young people and their families. To identify required strategic outcomes and to plan and oversee the implementation of programmes to deliver services and meet identified performance targets. To monitor service delivery in relation to identified performance measures and to plan and deliver performance improvements where required. To provide visible and effective leadership including within strategic partnerships and Local Safeguarding Boards. To lead and contribute to delivery of early help and prevention strategies in partnership with others. To deliver and manage a range of services efficiently and effectively in accordance with Directorate policy and procedures. To contribute to strategy and policy development across the Council. To deputise for Directors or Assistant Directors as required. To act as an expert in regard to statutory social work providing strategic advice and guidance to staff and other professionals. To lead on the delivery of allocated projects or service development areas. To promote best practice and development programmes. To monitor and manage allocated budgets. To lead and manage staff groups.
Key responsibilities
- To be responsible for promoting and safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- To provide the leadership to a number of services/professionals in regard to their specific area of operational service delivery.
- To be responsible for taking professional decisions on complex matters within appropriate timescales.
- To have direct line management for allocated Operational managers.
- To promote, develop and plan services ensuring that there is an effective and efficient delivery of services which meet statutory requirements and may be subject to regulation and inspection.
- To contribute to the strategic planning, working collaboratively with partners, communities, the voluntary sector and others as appropriate.
- To provide a clear line of governance in regard to decision making on high risk and complex case issues and to escalate as appropriate.
- To be responsible for the performance management and outcomes for an allocated portfolio of services.
- To write reports, work plans and service plans as and when required.
- To lead and/or relevant leadership and management meetings as required.
- To lead and/or be involved in budget and performance discussions and work closely with colleagues in finance, performance and in other key support areas to ensure effective service delivery within available resources.
- To be responsible for performance and delivery of outcomes against key performance indicators in allocated areas.
- To manage delegated budgets effectively and efficiently in line with the authority's scheme of cost centre management and delegation.
- To manage early help and prevention resources as allocated.
- To ensure that there is compliance with health and safety in allocated service areas.
- To provide strategic leadership.
- Undertaking any lesser or comparable duties as identified.
NB: The duties and responsibilities of this post are not restrictive and the post holder may be required on occasion to undertake other duties. This will not substantially change the nature of the post.
Supervision and management
Reporting to: Director/Assistant Director
Responsibility for: This post has direct line management responsibility for allocated operational managers who manage a large staff group.
Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Head of Permanence in Dorchester employer: Connect2Dorset
Connect2Dorset is an exceptional employer that prioritises ethical practices and community impact, making it a rewarding place to work. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to thrive in a supportive environment while contributing to meaningful projects within the local authority. The opportunity to lead significant transformation initiatives in the picturesque setting of Dorchester adds unique value to this role, fostering both professional and personal fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Permanence in Dorchester
✨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 Connect2Dorset.
✨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 Connect2Dorset!
✨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 Connect2Dorset, 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 Connect2Dorset 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 Permanence in Dorchester
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 Connect2Dorset:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Connect2Dorset! 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 Connect2Dorset
✨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.
