At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop services for children and young people with disabilities, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, a vibrant community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and be part of a visionary leadership team dedicated to making a difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across diverse teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of vulnerable children and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with leadership experience and a passion for improving lives.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client, the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, is seeking an experienced and passionate Head of Service to lead their Children and Young People with Disabilities (CYPD) service. This is a unique opportunity for a dynamic leader to make a tangible difference in the lives of children, young people, families, and carers in one of London's most diverse and vibrant communities.
The Head of Service will play a pivotal role in delivering excellence across the CYPD service. You will be responsible for both Early Help and Social Care provision, including a CYPD Family Hub, Short Breaks Team, Portage Team, and CYPD Social Work Team. This leadership role requires strategic vision, operational expertise, and a strong commitment to driving high-quality outcomes for children and families.
Responsibilities- Leading, supporting, and developing multi-disciplinary teams to ensure high performance, consistency of practice, and timely outcomes for children and young people.
- Managing Early Help, Short Breaks, Child in Need, Child Protection, and Looked After Children services, ensuring smooth transitions to adulthood in collaboration with Adult Social Care.
- Driving service improvement and transformation in line with the Families First National Reform agenda.
- Building strong partnerships across the SEND landscape, including with Parent Carer Forums, to enhance service provision.
- Creating a supportive, reflective, and resilient work environment that nurtures staff and promotes a culture of excellence.
- A qualified social worker with current SWE registration.
- An inspiring, innovative, and motivated leader who embraces relational, restorative, and strength-based practice in line with the CARES framework.
- Experienced in managing teams, improving performance, holding risk, and driving professional standards.
- Knowledgeable about the vulnerabilities and risks faced by disabled children and young people and committed to improving their experiences.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants will undergo a comprehensive screening process, including an Enhanced Children's Disclosure and Barring Service check.
BenefitsThe London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is committed to putting the child's lived experience at the centre of all services. Their stable, visionary leadership team is dedicated to improving outcomes for the borough's most vulnerable children and young people. The council offers a competitive package.
Head of Service - Children and Young People with Disabilities employer: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people with disabilities. With a strong focus on employee development, a supportive work culture, and a commitment to excellence, staff are empowered to drive positive change within one of London's most diverse communities. The council offers competitive benefits and a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and professional growth.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service - Children and Young People with Disabilities
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of social work and disability services. Attend local events or join online forums where you can connect with others who share your passion for making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in managing teams and driving service improvements. Share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's values and recent initiatives. Tailor your responses to demonstrate how your vision aligns with their goals, especially around improving outcomes for children and families.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you prepare for interviews and make your application stand out. Plus, it’s a great way to show your commitment to the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service - Children and Young People with Disabilities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading services for children and young people with disabilities. We want to see how your skills align with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, share examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and motivate others, so don’t hold back on those success stories!
Demonstrate Your Commitment:Express your passion for improving outcomes for disabled children and young people. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely committed to making a difference, so let that shine through in your writing.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific needs and challenges faced by children and young people with disabilities. Familiarise yourself with the Families First National Reform agenda and how it impacts service delivery. This will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you’ve successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Think of examples where you’ve driven performance and improved outcomes, as this is crucial for the Head of Service position.
✨Build Connections
Highlight any experience you have in building partnerships, especially within the SEND landscape. Be ready to talk about how you’ve collaborated with Parent Carer Forums or similar groups to enhance service provision.
✨Emphasise Your Vision
Articulate your strategic vision for the CYPD service. Think about how you would create a supportive and resilient work environment that nurtures staff while driving high-quality outcomes for children and families. This will demonstrate your forward-thinking approach.
