Join Harrow Children’sServices– Head of Service - Family Help - AdolescentPractice Lead
Be part of an ambitiousChildren’s Social Care serviceimproving outcomes for children and families
The London Borough of Harrowisenteringan exciting periodas we deliveranambitiousprogramme ofChildren’sServices reform,including Families First, Best Start Family Hubs, Best Start in Life and SENDreforms. Our ambition is clear:tohelpevery child thrivebyreshapingsupport for children, youngpeopleand families across the borough.
Throughthe Families First Programme,we aredevelopinga practice system whererelationships arecentral,familiesare supported to make decisions about their own lives, andmulti-disciplinaryhelpis offered at the earliest opportunity.
As one of our two Heads of Service inFamily Helpyouwill playa pivotal leadershiprole in shaping, coordinatingandcontinuously improving Harrow’sFamily Help systemat a key point in its developmentwith leadership in the area of adolescent & youth offer including Harrow’s Youth Justice Service.
You willleadHarrow’sFamily Help Teamsincluding the Youth Justice Servicetodelivertimely,effectiveand proportionatesupport,improving outcomes and life chances forchildren and families, particularly those who aremost vulnerable.
You willensurethe local Family Help system isaligned withHarrow’swiderChildren’sReforms Programmesandthe Children’s Social Care National Framework.As we developspecialistareas of practice,youwillhelp shapetheseemergingservicesand ensure integrationwithpartnersand lead thecontinuedevolution of ourworkwithchildren andfamilies.
We are looking for acreative,ambitiousleader who is passionate about improving children’s livesand experience inrelevantareas of practice.You will be energised by the opportunity to lead adeveloping service, influence practice across the system and contribute to national learning on the future of children’s social care.
What makes this role special?
- Providinghigh-qualityleadership of our Family Help Teams to ensure the very highest professional practicedelivering an integrated approach leading on helpforadolescentsand their families.
- Be the lead to create andmaintainmulti-agency working and developing collaborative relationships with partners to ensure that children and young people are supported and safeguarded.
- Responsible for ensuring thatchildren'sassessments and plans have clear priorities, are ofgood qualityand focus on the child's needs.
- Drive forward the key priorities and values of the service by working in collaboration with the wider Children’s Services Leadership Team.
- Champion strengths-based, relationship-basedand family-led practice, with a clear focus on early intervention,preventionand sustainable outcomes.
- Use performance insight, audit, qualityassuranceand professional curiosity to drive continuous improvement and support confident decision-making.
- Work collaboratively with senior leaders and partners to strengthen safeguarding responses, manage risk well and promote inclusive, culturally competent practice.
We are looking for a strategic and resilient leader with a strong background in children’s social care and safeguarding. You will bring credibility, soundjudgementand the ability to lead in a complex, fast-paced environment where partnership working, risk management and high-quality practice are essential.
You will be confident in providing both support and challenge, developing managers and practitioners, and creating the conditions for reflective, evidence-informedand child-centred practice. You will also be able to translate strategy into delivery, using data and intelligence to improve services, manage demand anddemonstrateimpact for children and families.
Your experience will include:
- A recognised Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
- Substantial experience in children’s services, including leadership ofchild in need,safeguarding, adolescent services&youth justice practice.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, thresholds, information-sharing and multi-agency decision-making.
- A proven ability to lead service improvement, strengthen practice quality and use performance information to evaluate impact.
- Experience of managing people,budgetsand resources effectively within a complex service environment.
- Excellent communication and partnership skills, with the ability to engage confidently with staff, senior leaders, elected members, schools,partnersand communities.
- A strong commitment to equality, anti-racist & culturally competent practice, professional curiosity and improving outcomes for children, youngpeopleand families.
Closing date:20 September 2026
Interviews:8 - 9 October 2026
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Head of Service - Family Help - Adolescent Practice Lead in Harrow employer: Harrow Council
Harrow Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering an inclusive work culture that prioritises the growth and development of its employees. As a Deafblind & Multi-Sensory Inclusion Advisor, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people while benefiting from comprehensive training and support in a collaborative environment. Located in London, the council offers unique advantages such as access to diverse resources and a commitment to community engagement, making it a rewarding place to work.
