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- Tasks: Lead teams to improve children's social care services and ensure high-quality assessments.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Havering, dedicated to transforming community support for families.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and development opportunities through our Social Care Academy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a supportive and proactive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work leadership and a passion for advocating for children and families.
- Other info: Applications are welcomed from diverse backgrounds; DBS check required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Head of Service for Practice, Deputy Principal Social Worker (Starting Well)
Join us to apply for the Head of Service for Practice, Deputy Principal Social Worker (Starting Well) role at London Borough of Havering .
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Job Details
Grade 12 – £75,144 – £84,384 pa, with an additional Market Supplement (MS) of £10,000, subject to final confirmation.
Location: Havering (Hybrid working: minimum 3 days in office per week)
Contract: Permanent
Message from the Director
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on children, young people, and families? Do you want to be part of a transformative journey to improve Havering’s community? Join us to help elevate our Children\’s Social Care Services within the Starting Well Department.
Following our recent inadequate Ofsted inspection, we are committed to improvement and seeking dedicated social care practitioners ready to make a difference, advocate for children, and work in a challenging yet rewarding environment.
We offer development opportunities through our Social Care Academy, dedicated learning days, and a supportive environment focused on safe, nurturing practice.
About the Role
The purpose of this role is to provide operational and strategic leadership to various teams, ensuring high-quality assessments and interventions in line with legislation and guidance to improve outcomes for children and families.
- Lead quality assurance and practice improvement initiatives.
- Ensure effective systems are in place for positive outcomes.
- Manage teams including the Systemic Family Therapy Team, Quality Assurance Team, and others.
- Promote excellent systemic, face-to-face practice with children, families, and multi-agency partners.
- Lead and performance manage teams against local and national indicators to ensure timely and high-quality assessments and interventions.
We are resourceful, proactive, and committed to making a positive difference. Join Havering to develop your career and contribute to our community’s future.
Please view the Job Profile for more details.
For an informal discussion, contact .
The closing date for applications is 2nd August 2025 at 23:59. Early closing may occur if interest is high.
We value diversity and are committed to safeguarding. This role may require a DBS check.
Please attach a supporting statement (no more than 2 A4 sides) explaining how you meet the criteria, ensuring all personal information is removed from uploaded documents.
About Havering
Havering offers excellent transport links, extensive green spaces, and a vibrant community. We are committed to making a positive impact and supporting your career growth.
Additional Information
We consider applications based on merit, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
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Head of Service for Practice, Deputy Principal Social Worker (Starting Well) employer: Havering Council
Contact Detail:
Havering Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service for Practice, Deputy Principal Social Worker (Starting Well)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the recent Ofsted inspection results and the specific areas identified for improvement. This knowledge will not only help you understand the challenges the department is facing but also allow you to demonstrate how your experience can contribute to addressing these issues during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the London Borough of Havering, especially those in social care roles. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when preparing for interviews or informal discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your leadership experience in social work settings, particularly in managing teams and implementing quality assurance initiatives. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've improved practice and outcomes in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the job requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to articulate your vision for the Starting Well Department and how you would approach the operational and strategic leadership aspects of the role. Having a clear plan that aligns with the council's goals will show your commitment and readiness to take on this significant responsibility.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service for Practice, Deputy Principal Social Worker (Starting Well)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Service for Practice, Deputy Principal Social Worker role. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with these requirements.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Prepare a supporting statement of no more than 2 A4 sides that clearly demonstrates how you meet the criteria outlined in the job profile. Use specific examples from your experience to illustrate your skills and achievements in social work.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Since this role involves operational and strategic leadership, emphasise any previous leadership roles or experiences you have had. Discuss how you have successfully managed teams and improved service delivery in past positions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in the social work field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Havering Council
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Head of Service for Practice role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around operational and strategic leadership, quality assurance, and systemic practice. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Social Care
Demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact on children and families. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your dedication to improving social care services and your ability to advocate for vulnerable groups.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities in challenging situations. Think about past experiences where you led teams or implemented changes, and be ready to discuss the outcomes and lessons learned.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Style
As a potential leader, it’s crucial to convey your leadership style and how you manage teams. Discuss your approach to performance management and how you foster a supportive environment that encourages professional development and high-quality practice.