At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic and operational initiatives in adult safeguarding and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
- Company: Kent County Council, a leading authority in Adult Social Care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of Adult Social Care in Kent.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in Adult Social Care and strong partnership skills.
The predicted salary is between 81015 - 89931 £ per year.
Kent is one of the largest and most ambitious Adult Social Care systems in the country, supporting over 34,000 residents across diverse communities. As we deliver our refreshed Making a Difference Every Day Adult Social Care Strategy, we are seeking exceptional Assistant Directors to help lead system-wide transformation, improve outcomes and shape sustainable services for the future.
Our strategy sets out a renewed and ambitious direction for Adult Social Care in Kent. It reaffirms our commitment to strengths-based practice, prevention, partnership working and continuous improvement, making this an exciting time to join our leadership team.
As an Assistant Director, you will be part of the Adult Social Care and Health Senior Leadership Team, to provide both strategic leadership and oversight, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe and sustainable services that meet our statutory duties and improve outcomes for Kent residents. These are critical roles leading key areas of delivery at a time of continued transformation and increasing demand.
The Role
This role provides strategic and operational leadership for Adult Safeguarding and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), ensuring the Council fulfils its statutory responsibilities and delivers high-quality, person-centred and legally compliant services.
You will:
- Lead the Council's strategic and operational approach to adult safeguarding and DoLS.
- Act as the Directorate lead for Mental Capacity, supporting compliance and professional practice across the organisation.
- Provide professional leadership and challenge across Adult Social Care and partner agencies to improve outcomes and reduce risk.
- Lead a culture of continuous improvement informed by safeguarding intelligence, quality assurance and performance information.
About You
We are seeking experienced, inspirational leaders who can demonstrate:
- Significant senior leadership experience within Adult Social Care or the wider health and care system.
- A track record of leading strategic change and service improvement within complex organisations.
- Strong systems leadership skills and the ability to influence across organisational and professional boundaries.
- Experience of effective partnership working across health, local government and the voluntary and community sector.
You will bring the ambition, leadership and professional credibility to make a lasting difference to residents, communities and services across Kent.
Why Join Us?
These are rare opportunities to influence the future of Adult Social Care in one of the country's largest local authorities. You will join an ambitious leadership team committed to delivering outstanding outcomes through innovation, collaboration and professional excellence.
At Kent County Council, our values matter. We are Brave, Curious, Compassionate, Accountable and Stronger Together and we are looking for leaders who share these values and can inspire others to deliver their very best every day.
Further information
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring service and registration as a qualified Social Worker with Social Work England. This role is subject to holding a Full UK Driving Licence – The Council is committed to making reasonable adjustments so whilst this job requires the jobholder to drive your application will still be considered if you are unable to drive due to a disability. This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The selection process will include psychometric assessment, Director interview including presentation and an interview with people with lived experience.
Psychometric testing – week commencing 7 September 2026
Lived experience interviews – week commencing 14 September 2026
Director interviews – week commencing 21 September 2026
About you
Sydney Hill, Director Adult Social Care – Long Term Support on 03000 422239 or via email at Sydney.Hill@kent.gov.uk
About us
Work that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility! KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.
Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.
Assistant Director Safeguarding and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) in Maidstone employer: Kent County Council
Kent County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With opportunities for professional growth in the health and social care sector, employees can make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults with disabilities while enjoying the benefits of working in a community-focused environment on the beautiful Isle of Sheppey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director Safeguarding and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) in Maidstone
✨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 Kent County 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 Kent County 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 Kent County 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 Kent County 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 Safeguarding and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) in Maidstone
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 Kent County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kent County 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 Kent County 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.
