At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives to enhance services for children in care and manage key stakeholder relationships.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on improving outcomes for children and families in Kent.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive management team with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of children's services and drive impactful change in your community.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and extensive management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
iPeople SC Solutions is currently recruiting for Head of Provider Services for our client based in Medway and surrounding areas.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership, vision and direction to the service areas within Provider Services, taking a lead role on the development of relevant strategies, policies, procedures, programmes and projects.
- Maintain a strategic oversight of the Council's ambitious new sufficiency plan, nurturing strong, positive relationships with key stakeholders to ensure greater stability for our children in care.
- Provide a strategic oversight of children's placements and be the interface between Children's Services and Commissioning ensuring Children's Services has a comprehensive understanding of expenditure, how much is being spent and the impact it is having. To include predictions of future expenditure related to changing demand, using scenario modelling to help plan commissioning.
- Lead for Adoption Partnership South East (London Borough of Bexley, Kent County Council (Host) and Medway Council).
- Contribute to the operational management and strategic development of the wider service as a member of the Children's Services Management Team.
- Be accountable for the service area budget, ensuring effective monitoring and analysing of spend in order to ensure services are delivered safely within budget.
- Be accountable for the service performance through the establishment of clear targets and key performance indicators, continuously driving improvement and ensuring practice and values deliver positive outcomes for children, young people and their families.
- Assist and deputise for the Assistant Director of Children's Services and provide cover for other Heads of Service, as appropriate.
- Participate in the senior management on call rota.
Essential Criteria
- Degree in Social Work.
- NVQ level 5 in Management or equivalent management qualification.
- Extensive management experience including the management of change.
- Significant experience directly related to the area of specialism.
- Experience in successfully planning for and contributing to the Ofsted inspection process.
- Extensive understanding of the legislative and policy framework around providing services to children, young people and their families.
- Extensive project management experience.
- Registered with Social Work England.
Head of Provider Services - Kent - Job - IPSC Recruitment LTD employer: Job Search Place Limited
iPeople SC Solutions is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Medway that prioritises the well-being of children and families. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide opportunities for growth and leadership within a supportive team culture, ensuring that our staff can make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Provider Services - Kent - Job - IPSC Recruitment LTD
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work and children's services sectors. Attend local events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it's all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around children's services and strategic leadership. Show them you're not just a fit on paper but also in spirit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers. Focus on articulating your management experience and how you've driven improvements in previous roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We have loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let's land that job together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Provider Services - Kent - Job - IPSC Recruitment LTD
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Provider Services role. Highlight your strategic leadership experience and any relevant management qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about children's services and how your experience can contribute to our ambitious sufficiency plan. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive improvement and manage budgets effectively. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, even better!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the legislative and policy framework surrounding children's services. Brush up on recent changes and how they impact service delivery. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re also proactive about staying informed.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided strategic leadership in previous roles. Think about specific projects where you’ve driven change or improved outcomes. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these experiences to the role of Head of Provider Services.
✨Understand the Budgeting Process
Since you'll be accountable for the service area budget, it’s crucial to demonstrate your financial acumen. Familiarise yourself with budgeting processes and be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed budgets in the past, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in nurturing relationships with stakeholders. Prepare to talk about how you’ve successfully collaborated with various parties to achieve common goals. This is key for ensuring stability for children in care, so have some solid examples ready to share.
