At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation in children's social care and improve service quality.
- Company: Croydon Council, committed to community and children's welfare.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, inclusive environment, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to community engagement and improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape Croydon's future.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in complex organisational change within children's services.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Croydon is changing. We are a borough with great assets: a proud and diverse community, strong partnerships, a dynamic economy, a dedicated and committed workforce, the largest child population in London and the scale to shape London’s future. We will also not shy away from our challenges.
Following an unprecedented financial crisis, Croydon has been on a determined journey of recovery: stabilising our finances; strengthening governance; and rebuilding trust with residents. A key part of improvements we have delivered includes being proud to have back-to-back good Ofsted inspection outcomes. Your role will be to provide clear-sighted leadership to ensure we continue to improve the quality of children’s services.
You will inherit good foundations: improving Ofsted inspection outcomes, a stabilised financial position, and a brave and innovative transformation programme which is already actively underway. We will look to you to lead a whole-system transformation of how children’s social care works - reshaping services, driving cultural change, and building children’s services that consistently strengthen outcomes for children. This role demands visible, resilient and values-driven leadership.
- Lead Croydon’s continued Ofsted and HMIP inspection improvements and ensure long-term sustainability
- Lead the transformation of children’s social care
- Develop our high-performing, unified leadership team
- Strengthen partnerships across the council, with borough strategic partners positioning Croydon as a confident and influential London region partner
We are looking for an exceptional senior leader who has led large, complex organisation change and improvement in children’s social care. You will bring deep insight into improving children’s services with the ability to inspire confidence at every level. Most of all, you will share our belief that Croydon’s future will be one of outstanding services for children.
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role. Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.
Director of Childrens Social Care employer: Croydon Council
Croydon Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment where compassion and community service are at the forefront. As a Resource Officer at the South London Coroner’s Court, you will not only play a vital role in assisting bereaved families but also benefit from flexible working options and opportunities for professional growth within a diverse and inclusive team. The council values its employees, providing a meaningful career path in public service that truly makes a difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Childrens Social Care
✨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 Croydon Council.
✨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 Croydon Council!
✨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 Croydon Council, 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 Croydon Council 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 Director of Childrens Social Care
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 Croydon Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Croydon Council! 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 Croydon Council
✨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.
