At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape strategies for Children's Services, driving improvements and ensuring positive outcomes.
- Company: Join a leading local authority in North Kent with a focus on impactful service delivery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous allowances, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on children's rights and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work, extensive management experience, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 61140 - 73241 £ per year.
Head of Provider Services – Kent County Council
Connect2Socialwork is recruiting on behalf of a leading local authority in North Kent for an experienced and visionary Head of Provider Services. This is a senior leadership role within Children’s Services, responsible for shaping strategies, driving service improvements, and ensuring positive outcomes for children and young people.
You’ll lead Provider Services, oversee placements and commissioning, manage a £13m budget, and play a key role in the Adoption Partnership South East. This is an opportunity to influence policy, deliver change, and make a real impact.
Compensation
- Special Allowance: £5,573 per annum
- Skill Allowance: £10,000 per annum
- Out of Hours: £3,000 per annum
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic leadership and vision for Provider Services
- Oversight of placements and commissioning expenditure
- Drive improvements through KPIs and performance targets
- Manage budgets and ensure financial accountability
- Champion the voice and rights of children and young people
What We’re Looking For
- Degree in Social Work & Social Work England registration
- NVQ Level 5 in Management or equivalent
- Extensive senior management experience
- Strong understanding of legislation and policy frameworks
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills
Why Join?
- Competitive salary and generous allowances
- Hybrid working flexibility (minimum of 3 days in the office)
- Collaborative leadership environment
Contract: Permanent | Full-Time
Workstyle: Hybrid (minimum 3 days office-based)
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Head of Service - Provider Services in Chatham employer: Connect2Socialwork
Connect2SocialWork is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for Family Safeguarding Social Workers in Surrey. With a focus on personal development and a commitment to matching candidates with roles that align with their aspirations, employees benefit from ongoing professional guidance and a strong sense of community within the public sector. The agency's dedication to equal opportunities and its connection to local authorities ensures meaningful work that makes a real difference in children's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service - Provider Services in Chatham
✨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 Connect2Socialwork.
✨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 Connect2Socialwork!
✨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 Connect2Socialwork, 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 Connect2Socialwork 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 Service - Provider Services in Chatham
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 Connect2Socialwork:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Connect2Socialwork! 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 Connect2Socialwork
✨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.
