At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve services for children and families, ensuring they receive the right support.
- Company: Hartlepool Borough Council, committed to collaboration and excellence in children's services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and collective leadership.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in children's social care and a passion for improving outcomes.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Every child deserves the best possible start in life. Hartlepool is a close-knit and ambitious borough where improving outcomes for children and families is at the heart of everything we do. Home to an Outstanding Children's Services department, and with strong support for children’s services and a genuine commitment to collaboration, this is an opportunity to join a leadership team focused on making a lasting difference.
We are looking for an exceptional children’s social care leader to join us as Assistant Director, Children and Families and help shape the future of services for children, young people and families across the borough. As Assistant Director, you will lead a significant portfolio that includes safeguarding, child protection, children in care, fostering and adoption, residential services, care leavers, youth justice and family support services.
Working closely with senior colleagues across the directorate and wider partnership system, you will drive improvement, champion high-quality practice and ensure children and families receive the right support at the right time. You will play a key role in shaping strategic priorities, strengthening partnerships and delivering better outcomes for children and young people.
Building on the strong foundations of an Outstanding Children’s Services department, you will bring the leadership, credibility and ambition needed to sustain excellence, drive continuous improvement and respond confidently to future challenges. You will be someone who can translate vision into action, inspire high-performing teams, build effective partnerships and lead with integrity, compassion and ambition.
In return, you will join an authority that values collaboration, innovation and collective leadership. Alongside a competitive salary, we offer access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, hybrid working arrangements, employee wellbeing support and a comprehensive benefits package. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children, young people and families in a borough that is determined to continue improving and delivering the very best services.
If you are an inspiring leader with the ambition, compassion and drive to make a lasting difference, this is your opportunity to shape services, influence communities and improve the lives of children and families across Hartlepool.
Closing Date for Applications: Midnight Monday 24th August 2026
Technical interviews (virtual): Wednesday 9th or Thursday 10th September
Final Panel: Monday 21st September
*Please note these dates may be subject to change*
At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. Hartlepool Borough Council are a Disability Confident Leader. If you’d like to apply under the scheme, please mention this clearly in bold at the top of your supporting statement. If there are any adjustments that would support you during the application or interview process, please let us know.
Assistant Director Children & Families employer: Hartlepool Borough Council
Hartlepool Borough Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the life chances of children and young people. With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and collective leadership, we offer a supportive work culture that values employee wellbeing and professional growth. As part of our leadership team, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of education in a close-knit community, backed by a comprehensive benefits package and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
Hartlepool Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director Children & Families
✨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 Hartlepool 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 Hartlepool 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 Hartlepool 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 Hartlepool 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 Assistant Director Children & Families
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 Hartlepool Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hartlepool 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 Hartlepool 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.
