At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in Adult Social Care, enhancing access and support for residents.
- Company: Hackney Council, committed to improving community health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, impactful leadership role, and opportunity for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on service transformation and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping the future of social care.
- Qualifications: Experience in Adult Social Care and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 42000 € per year.
Adult Social Care – Adults, Health & Integration
£450 per day (Umbrella)
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.
To Apply: Get in contact with QSW Talent Partner, Jordan.Peat@connect2hackney.co.uk
Deputy Head of Service - Access & Duty in City of London 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 service delivery, staff are empowered to lead transformative initiatives that directly impact the community. 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 Deputy Head of Service - Access & Duty in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Adult Social Care sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Hackney Council and their approach to Adult Social Care. Show us that you understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission of providing person-centred support.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've driven service transformation and improved performance in previous roles. We want to hear about your successes and how you can bring that experience to the Deputy Head of Service position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in Adult Social Care.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Service - Access & Duty in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Adult Social Care. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Deputy Head of Service – Access & Duty, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Leadership Skills:Since this role is all about leadership, we recommend you emphasise your past experiences leading teams or projects. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive service improvement and manage resources effectively.
Highlight Your Knowledge:Don’t forget to mention your understanding of adult social care legislation and safeguarding duties. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff, so make sure to include any relevant qualifications or training that support your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
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 and how they align with your vision for the Access & Duty service. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about making a difference.
✨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 navigated them. Highlight your experience in service transformation and performance management to demonstrate your capability as a senior leader.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various partners, be ready to discuss your experience in building strong relationships. Share instances where you've collaborated effectively with other teams or organisations to improve service delivery and customer experience.
✨Be Person-Centred
As the role focuses on person-centred responses, prepare to talk about how you've implemented strengths-based practices in your previous roles. Discuss how you ensure that services are tailored to meet individual needs and how you advocate for residents' rights and preferences.
