At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding and quality assurance for adult social care, driving service improvement.
- Company: Join Knowsley Council, an award-winning local authority committed to fair employment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Diverse workplace welcoming applications from all backgrounds, with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of adults while shaping the future of social care.
- Qualifications: Significant senior management experience in Adult Social Care and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 87117 - 93978 £ per year.
Knowsley Council is an award‑winning Local Authority, named Local Authority of the Year in the Municipal Journal Awards 2024. We are an Accredited employer under the Liverpool City Region Fair Employment Charter, demonstrating that we are committed to the principle of fair employment and we are dedicated to providing a healthy, fair, inclusive and just workplace. Our local authority is in a strong financial position, with a balanced budget that ensures stability and growth. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a Senior Leadership Team committed to making a positive impact in our community.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated Knowsley Council’s Adult Social Care Service as ‘Good’ in how we are meeting our responsibilities under the Care Act (2014).
The Role: Knowsley Council are seeking an experienced Head of Service, Safeguarding and Quality Assurance, to join our Adult Social Care Service. As Head of Service, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of adults who access support from our services. With responsibility for the strategic leadership and direction of adult safeguarding, quality and practice across all service areas within adult social care, you will play a critical role in delivering our transformation plan, driving forward service improvement, learning and innovation, helping to ensure high‑quality outcomes are achieved for adults in Knowsley. Reporting to the Director of Adult Social Care and Commissioning, you will act as the strategic lead for Care Quality Commission (CQC) assurance and inspection readiness and working as part of a supportive and collaborative senior management team within Adult Social Care Services, you will also fulfil the role of Principal Social Worker.
The Person: As our Head of Service and Principal Social Worker (PSW) you will be a visible and enthusiastic leader, with an ability to act as a bridge between frontline practice and our departmental senior management team, ensuring strategic decisions are informed by operational and practice realities. You should have significant experience of operating at a senior management level in Adult Social Care, advanced theoretical and practical knowledge across the relevant legislative and statutory frameworks that underpin social work practice as well as substantial experience of successfully implementing strategies to improve services. If you enjoy working with passionate staff who truly care about what they do and a senior leadership team who work together to achieve a shared vision you may be the perfect candidate for this role.
Further Information: At Knowsley Council we will consider requests for flexible working. For most roles, the following types of flexibility are usually possible: flexible hours, hybrid working, compressed hours, part‑time. We welcome applications from residents and beyond, regardless of background, belief, or identity, recognising the value that diversity brings to our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and candidates with disabilities as we acknowledge their underrepresentation in our workforce.
If you have any questions about this specific job role or what it is like to work at Knowsley, please contact: Paul Dalby – Director of Adult Social Care and Whole Life Commissioning – paul.dalby@knowsley.gov.uk
Head of safeguarding and quality assurance – Adults in Knowsley employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Kirklees Metropolitan Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Childcare Lawyers in Northallerton. With hybrid working options and a strong commitment to employee growth, the council fosters a culture of collaboration and professional development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in children's services.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of safeguarding and quality assurance – Adults in Knowsley
✨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 Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Kirklees Metropolitan 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 safeguarding and quality assurance – Adults in Knowsley
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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Kirklees Metropolitan 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.
