At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in adult social care, ensuring safety and independence for the community.
- Company: Dynamic local authority in Hackney, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a progressive team dedicated to equity and community well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping the future of social care.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker or registered allied health professional with relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 41000 £ per year.
Make a Real Difference: Lead the Future of Adult Social Care in Hackney! Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values.
Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first‑class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti‑racist borough. The work doesn’t stop there; we are proactive in bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.
Our Hackney ASC Vision: We want people to achieve what matters to them, in partnership with our communities in Hackney. Where they need support, together we can find a solution that keeps them safe, well, and independent.
Are you a visionary leader ready to shape the first point of contact for adult social care? We are seeking a Deputy Head of Service for Access and Safeguarding to provide critical strategic and operational oversight. This pivotal role ensures the highest standards of quality assurance and practice across our essential safeguarding functions and our vital Access and Duty team. The Access and Duty team serves as our ASC ‘front door,’ triaging referrals from the public, carers, and professionals. As a leader, you will be instrumental in managing this demand and fostering integrated working relationships across health and social care.
What You Bring to the Role:
- An established career in Adult Social Care at Team Manager level or above.
- Deep expertise in the safeguarding adults arena and the strategic importance of this function.
- Proficient application of legal frameworks, including the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act, Safeguarding Adults, and the Human Rights Act.
- Experience in ‘front door’ service delivery, demand management, and high‑quality person‑centred practice is essential.
Qualifications and Professional Registration:
You will need to be a qualified Social Worker or registered allied health professional and be registered with Social Work England.
Enhanced DBS Requirement:
An Enhanced DBS is required for this role.
Values:
We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are:
- Proud
- Ambitious
- Pioneering
- Open
- Proactive
- Inclusive
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, and we will work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We welcome those interested in flexible working and particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under‑represented in our workforce.
Deputy Head Of Service – Access and Safeguarding in London employer: Hackney Borough Council
Hackney Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of its residents through innovative and inclusive adult social care services. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and community engagement, employees are empowered to grow professionally while contributing to a vibrant and progressive borough in the heart of London. The supportive work culture fosters collaboration and values every individual's contribution, making it an ideal place for passionate leaders to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head Of Service – Access and Safeguarding in London
✨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 Hackney Borough 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 Hackney Borough 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 Hackney Borough 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 Hackney Borough 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 Deputy Head Of Service – Access and Safeguarding in London
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 Hackney Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hackney Borough 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 Hackney Borough 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.
