At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop integrated discharge services, ensuring safe and efficient support for residents.
- Company: Hackney Council, dedicated to serving the community and promoting diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commitment to staff development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while leading transformational improvements in social care.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker or allied health professional with management experience in adult social care.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and community well-being.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Our Hackney ASC Vision: We want people to achieve what matters to them, in partnership with our communities in Hackney. Where they need support, together we can find a solution that keeps them safe, well, and independent.
The role has been established to provide operational and strategic oversight and development of the Integrated Discharge service (Hospital discharge) and the Move on Team. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Initial Contact and Safeguarding, you will be responsible for the quality assurance, practice and day to day oversight of both service areas.
Prospective candidates will need to demonstrate an established career within Adult Social care at Team Manager level and above with significant breadth and depth of expertise in the hospital discharge arena.
Our Integrated Discharged Service is the service supporting the safe and appropriate discharge of residents via a discharge to assess approach and reablement pathways. The team supports discharges of Hackney residents from Homerton Hospital and other London and home counties hospitals. Knowledge and expertise around the application of the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, Safeguarding and Court of Protection are required.
Our Move On Team assesses and reviews all placements that are made as part of discharge planning, ensuring that Checklists are completed for Continuing healthcare and that joint assessments are undertaken with the relevant ICB. The MOT has a dedicated team of social workers and housing support workers who ensure that the appropriate long term care and support plans are in place for all residents discharged from hospital.
As the DHOS you will be responsible for ensuring safe and well led services, that ensures that we are able to meet the demand, develop and maintain positive partner relationships. We are developing our reablement pathway for Hackney residents and knowledge and expertise around the application of this pathway will be advantageous.
You will be responsible for the supervision of three team Managers who are leading these service areas. The IDS team is separated into a Homefirst and Reablement team and a Complex casework team, with a Team Manager leading each pathway.
Candidates Will Need To Demonstrate:
- The post of DHOS is fundamental to leading and developing the practice of the teams, ensuring that we are providing a safe and efficient service to all of our residents.
- Experience and enthusiasm to lead the teams through transformational improvements to our service area.
- A commitment to integrated working across health and social care is essential.
- An ability to create and maintain positive relationships with partner agencies.
- A commitment to recruitment and retention of staff and growing our permanent workforce.
- Experience of managing social care staff and applying HR policies and procedures.
- Experience of analysing and reporting on performance through the use of data and dashboards.
- Experience of leading services through change.
- You will have a significant level of post qualification experience within statutory Adult Services at team manager level or above.
- You will need to have experience of providing supervisory / management support to Team Managers.
- You will need to have experience of working with a range of adults that are eligible for adult social care.
- You will be required to promote a culture of integrated working and promote high-quality person centred practice.
Qualifications And Professional Registration:
- You will need to be a qualified Social Worker or registered allied health professional and be registered with Social Work England.
- An Enhanced DBS Is Required For This Role.
As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation. If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.
We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s. To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application. As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.
We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.
Closing date for applications: 07 March 2026 (22:59)
Interview and assessment date: 23 March 2026
We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.
The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk
Deputy Head, Integrated Discharge & Move-On Services employer: London Borough of Hackney
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Hackney Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head, Integrated Discharge & Move-On Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care sector, especially those who might know about the Deputy Head role. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the Integrated Discharge service and Move On Team specifics. Show us you understand the challenges and opportunities in Hackney's adult social care landscape. We love candidates who come prepared!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your competency-based answers! Think of real-life examples where you've led teams or improved services. We want to hear how you've made a difference in your previous roles, so get those stories ready.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your personality in those competency questions. Let’s see what makes you unique!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head, Integrated Discharge & Move-On Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in Hackney and supporting our residents.
Be Specific with Examples: Use real-life examples to demonstrate your skills and experience. We love seeing how you've tackled challenges in the past, especially in adult social care or hospital discharge settings.
Tailor Your Responses: Make sure your answers to the competency-based questions are tailored to the job description. Highlight your knowledge of the Care Act and your experience with integrated working – it’ll make you stand out!
Keep It Personal: We value authenticity, so avoid using AI tools to write your application. Instead, use your own voice to express your unique perspective and experiences. It’s all about showcasing the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Hackney
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and safeguarding practices. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re well-prepared and understand the key aspects of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Head, you'll be leading teams through transformational changes. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams or implemented improvements. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively.
✨Build Relationships
The role requires maintaining positive relationships with partner agencies. Think of instances where you've collaborated with other organisations or stakeholders. Highlighting these experiences will show your commitment to integrated working.
✨Be Person-Centred
Remember, the focus is on providing high-quality, person-centred practice. Be ready to discuss how you've put residents' needs at the forefront in your previous roles. This will align with the council's vision and values.