At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape high-quality mental health services across Dumfries and Galloway.
- Company: A registered Scottish charity dedicated to empowering individuals with mental health conditions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to excellence in person-centred care.
- Why this job: Be a transformational leader in a vital sector, driving positive change and innovation.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in adult social care and relevant qualifications required.
I am seeking a Head of Operations to work with a Mental Health Association in Dumfries and Galloway, which operates at sites across the region. The salary is £43,000 – £47,000 per annum (flexible banding in line with experience). The role is Full-time - 35 hours per week.
My client’s Mental Health Association is a registered Scottish charity, which provides high-quality care and support to individuals across Dumfries and Galloway whose lives are affected by diagnosed mental health conditions. My client is driven by a strong vision to deliver excellence in person-centred care and support, empowering individuals to build confidence, maintain independence, and lead healthy, fulfilling lives. They are now seeking to appoint an experienced and strategic Head of Operations. This is a unique opportunity to shape, strengthen, and lead high-quality services across the region.
The postholder will be responsible for the strategic direction, operational leadership, and performance management of services, ensuring they remain safe, effective, and financially sustainable. The role requires oversight of compliance with national legislation, regulatory standards, and local priorities, while driving continuous improvement and innovation. As a key member of the Senior Management Team, reporting directly to the CEO, you will provide strong operational and transformational leadership.
We are looking for a forward-thinking, resilient leader with significant senior-level experience in adult social care and mental health services. You will demonstrate integrity, sound judgement, and the ability to inspire teams, build effective partnerships, and deliver measurable outcomes.
Essential Criteria- Minimum three years’ senior leadership experience from Registered Manager up with a proven track record of operational management and transformational change
- Experience of managing regional multi-site services
- SVQ Level 4 in Social Services and Healthcare (or equivalent)
- SVQ Level 4 in Leadership and Management (or equivalent)
The successful candidate will be required to undergo a PVG check. A full Job Description and Person Specification are available on request. To apply, please submit your CV.
Head Of Operations (Social Care) in Dumfries employer: Everson Recruitment
Everson Recruitment is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment that prioritises employee well-being and work-life balance. With opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic team of 35, employees can thrive in their careers while enjoying the benefits of remote or hybrid working arrangements from beautiful locations like Salisbury and Andover.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Operations (Social Care) in Dumfries
✨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 Everson Recruitment.
✨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 Everson Recruitment!
✨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 Everson Recruitment, 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 Everson Recruitment 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 Operations (Social Care) in Dumfries
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 Everson Recruitment:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Everson Recruitment! 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 Everson Recruitment
✨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.
