At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Changing Futures programme to improve lives in Hartlepool.
- Company: Hartlepool Borough Council, dedicated to supporting local communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to high-quality social care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping essential services.
- Qualifications: Experience in service management and a relevant professional qualification.
The predicted salary is between 57091 - 62202 £ per year.
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Working Pattern: Full time
Advert Start Date: 16/06/2026
Advert End Date: 09/07/2026 23:59
Salary: £57,091 - £62,202 per annum
Hours per week: 37
Job Category: Social Care - Adult Service
Vacancy ID: 297999
Employment Location: Hartlepool Borough Council, Civic Centre, Victoria Road Hartlepool TS24 8AY
Post Number: 108353
Number of posts: 1
Closing date: 9 Jul
Fixed Term until March 2029 (secondment opportunity available).
Hartlepool is a vibrant and energetic town with growing prospects. As a Local Authority we are striving to support the people of Hartlepool to the best they possibly can be and would like to recruit dedicated, driven and committed people to help us achieve that.
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic individual who is passionate about the health of people in Hartlepool to lead the Changing Futures programme. This programme aims to provide a joined‑up, person‑centred approach to improve outcomes for adults experiencing multiple disadvantage who face complex, interconnected issues and unmet needs – including combinations of homelessness, substance misuse, mental ill health, domestic abuse, and contact with the criminal justice system.
If you are successful, you will lead the new programme at the beginning of its journey, shaping services to ensure that we can improve the lives of people in Hartlepool. You will be part of a hardworking, enthusiastic, committed and supportive team. We are committed to providing high quality services and offer an excellent working environment valuing supervision, training and opportunities for professional development.
Applicants should have experience of managing and developing services, hold a professional qualification and have experience of managing staff.
Further information may be available online. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the e‑mail address that you have registered. Please ensure that you also check your junk mail.
Head of Service - Changing Futures employer: Hartlepool Borough Council
Hartlepool Borough Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the lives of its residents through innovative programmes like Changing Futures. With a strong focus on professional development, a supportive work culture, and a commitment to high-quality service delivery, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the community. Located in the vibrant town of Hartlepool, this role offers the unique opportunity to lead transformative initiatives while being part of a passionate and driven team.
Contact Details:
Hartlepool Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service - Changing Futures
✨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 Head of Service - Changing Futures
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.
