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- Tasks: Lead and manage children's services, ensuring support for families in need.
- Company: Join a dynamic council focused on children's welfare and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and a chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of shaping services for children and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's services and leadership roles is essential.
- Other info: This role requires a DBS check and offers opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Discharge the statutory duties of the Children's Directorate in respect of children in need, in need of protection and in need of being looked after, ensuring that the families are fully supported with the Right Approach, Right Place and Right Time as set out in our Early Help Strategy. To lead on operational decision making alongside strategic planning to ensure that the Authority meets its corporate responsibilities, ensuring cost effectiveness, efficiency and responsiveness. This includes recognising the role delivered through the Lead Member for Children's Services, and with elected members in the responsibilities as corporate parents.
To lead and deliver service change in line with the Council's strategic priorities and aims, motivating and inspiring teams across the service. To develop working partnerships both within and outside of the Council, including maximising opportunities for children and families to shape our services. To fully represent the Council within the Region, learning from best practice and co-operating across the network to build responsive services for our children, where they are seen to be 'Children first and at the heart of all we do'.
Statutory ResponsibilitiesTo be accountable across the range of Children's legislation, regulation and guidance including:
- Children Act 1989
- Working Together 2018
- National Minimum Standards for Fostering
- National Minimum Standards for Adoption
To ensure that children's safeguarding is an organisational and universal priority, through effective performance management within the service, and through wider engagement across the Council and with partners. Ensure the council's compliance with the relevant statutory obligations and guidance in relation to vulnerable children and young people.
To be accountable for a substantive budget (Children's social care c 80 million), ensuring best value is delivered through appropriate deployment of resource. To build robust partner relationships, and through good system leadership, enable children and families to experience integrated and considered support at the earliest point of intervention. This will include work through the Safeguarding People Partnership as well as in operational multi-agency work.
To exercise delegated statutory powers in accordance with the Council's Constitution. This will include accountability for a child becoming looked after, and whether their liberty should be curtailed; to be accountable as an Agency Decision Maker; to have oversight of Responsible Individuals as appropriate.
To enable elected members to deliver their responsibilities in respect of children, including as corporate parents. To lead in the commissioning of identified services, working closely with colleagues to do so; to ensure that there is robust contract management in place and that this is fully utilised in informing subsequent planning; to ensure that the best interest of the Council is secured with all relevant external providers.
To actively seek feedback from children and families, such that this will inform service planning, and to support the wider service in progressing this more iterative learning; to build on the Council plan so that our children benefit from the best possible start in our Child Friendly borough.
To promote and implement good employment policy and practice, ensuring that individuals are effectively performance managed, supported in their professional development and are fully equipped to deliver service expectations. This will include services not directly within the remit of the post holder - for example disciplinary investigations and chairing decision-making panels.
To ensure that there is rigorous oversight of corporate expectations such as Business Continuity Planning and Risk Management; that these are up to date and are tested as is appropriate. This will include participating in out of hours and emergency planning, both specifically within the service and as a senior officer within the authority.
Special Conditions- Politically restricted post
- This post is subject to the DBS checking process
- Driving Licence will be subject to checking with the DVLA. It is a council requirement to have Business Use Car Insurance and a valid MOT certificate
Head of Through Care employer: Connect2Dudley
Contact Detail:
Connect2Dudley Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Through Care
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest legislation and guidance related to children's services, such as the Children Act 1989 and Working Together 2018. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding and supporting children.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of children's services, especially those who have experience in leadership roles. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to build connections and gain insights into best practices that can enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing budgets and resources effectively. Be ready to provide examples of how you've ensured cost-effectiveness and efficiency in previous roles, as this is a key responsibility for the Head of Through Care position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to lead and inspire teams by sharing specific instances where you've successfully implemented service changes or improvements. Highlight your collaborative approach in building partnerships within and outside the council, as this aligns with the role's requirements.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Through Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Through Care position. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation such as the Children Act 1989 and Working Together 2018.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight your experience in children's services, safeguarding, and budget management. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held and your ability to inspire and motivate teams.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for children's welfare and your vision for service change. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your capability to meet the council's strategic priorities.
Showcase Partnership Skills: Highlight your experience in building partnerships within and outside of local authorities. Discuss how you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders to improve services for children and families.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Dudley
✨Understand the Statutory Framework
Familiarise yourself with key legislation such as the Children Act 1989 and Working Together 2018. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to safeguarding children.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, particularly in challenging situations. Highlight your ability to motivate and inspire others, as this role requires strong leadership to drive service change.
✨Emphasise Partnership Building
Discuss your experience in building effective partnerships, both within and outside of an organisation. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, so showcasing your networking skills will be crucial.
✨Prepare for Budget Management Questions
Be ready to talk about your experience managing substantial budgets. Provide examples of how you've ensured cost-effectiveness and best value in previous roles, as financial accountability is a key aspect of this position.
