At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in Adult Social Care, ensuring timely support for residents.
- Company: Hackney Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, impactful leadership role, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on service improvement and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while transforming social care services.
- Qualifications: Experience in Adult Social Care with relevant professional qualifications required.
Hackney Council is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Deputy Head of Service - Access & Duty to play a pivotal leadership role at the front door of Adult Social Care. This is a high-impact interim opportunity, combining operational oversight with innovation, system-wide collaboration and strong people leadership.
About the Role
As Deputy Head of Service, you will provide senior leadership across the Access & Duty service, supporting safe, timely and person-centred responses for adults contacting Adult Social Care. You will work closely with the Head of Service, Assistant Director and wider system partners to drive quality, performance and continuous improvement. A key focus of the role is transforming how residents access support, ensuring services are preventative, strengths-based and responsive to need.
Key Priorities & Responsibilities
- Lead the expansion of digital access, increasing the availability of information and self-assessments through Hackney's digital programme.
- Work in partnership with Customer Services and internal teams to strengthen entry points into Adult Social Care and improve customer experience.
- Support and embed a reablement-first approach, aligned with new models of delivery launching in January 2026.
- Drive the increased use of Occupational Therapists as a preventative intervention for new Adult Social Care referrals.
- Provide operational and strategic oversight, ensuring statutory duties, quality standards and KPIs are met.
- Manage resources effectively, contributing to budget control, efficiencies and value for money.
- Lead service improvement, change management and new ways of working.
- Line manage one direct report (Team Manager), with scope to support an expanding team and evolving processes.
About You
You will be a confident senior leader with significant experience in Adult Social Care or a related health or social care setting. You will bring:
- A relevant professional qualification (e.g. Social Work, Nursing, Allied Health Profession, Public Health) with appropriate registration.
- Proven leadership experience in complex, fast-paced environments.
- Strong background in service transformation, performance management and partnership working.
- Sound knowledge of adult social care legislation, safeguarding duties and national policy.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- A strong commitment to equality, inclusion and strengths-based practice.
Adults Deputy Head of Service - Access & Duty employer: Connect2Hackney
Hackney Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of Adult Social Care. With a strong commitment to employee development and a focus on person-centred services, staff are empowered to lead transformative initiatives that enhance community support. Located in Hackney, employees benefit from a vibrant cultural scene and a supportive team atmosphere that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Adults Deputy Head of Service - Access & Duty
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Adult Social Care sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Hackney Council and their current initiatives in Adult Social Care. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for transforming services and improving customer experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve driven service improvements or managed change in previous roles. We want to hear about your successes and how you can bring that experience to the Deputy Head of Service role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Adults Deputy Head of Service - Access & Duty
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Deputy Head of Service. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! Share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in complex environments like Adult Social Care. This will help us see your potential impact.
Be Person-Centred:Since this role is all about providing person-centred responses, make sure to include any relevant experiences where you've put individuals at the heart of your work. It’s all about demonstrating your commitment to quality care.
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Hackney
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and legislation in Adult Social Care. Familiarise yourself with Hackney Council's initiatives, especially around digital access and preventative approaches. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but are also proactive about understanding the sector.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex environments. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you transformed services or improved performance. Be ready to discuss your approach to managing resources and driving change.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various partners, highlight your experience in partnership working. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively with different stakeholders to enhance customer experience and service delivery.
✨Be Person-Centred
Remember, the focus is on providing person-centred responses. Prepare to discuss how you've implemented strengths-based practices in your previous roles. Show that you understand the importance of tailoring services to meet individual needs and how you can lead this approach at Hackney Council.
