At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Integrated Discharge Service and ensure smooth transitions from hospital to home.
- Company: Hackney Council, a dynamic and progressive local authority in London.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, commitment to diversity, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a team dedicated to equity and community support in a vibrant borough.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and drive transformational improvements in social care.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker or registered allied health professional with leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Make a Real Difference: Lead the Future of Hospital Discharge in Hackney! Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values. Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first‑class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti‑racist borough. The work doesn’t stop there; we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.
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.
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for ensuring smooth transitions from hospital to home? We are looking for a Deputy Head of Service for Hospital Discharge to lead our Integrated Discharge Service (IDS) and Move On Team. This is a vital role where you will oversee quality assurance and practice, ensuring our residents receive the best possible support during their recovery journey. You will lead a dedicated team focused on Home First and reablement pathways, working closely with Homerton Hospital and other partners. This is your chance to drive transformational improvements and foster integrated working across health and social care.
Key Requirements:
- An established career in Adult Social Care at Team Manager level or above, with deep expertise in hospital discharge.
- Proven experience in leading teams through change and transformational improvements.
- Expert knowledge of the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, Safeguarding, and reablement pathways.
- A commitment to integrated working and building strong relationships with partner agencies.
- Skill in using data and dashboards to analyse performance and drive excellence.
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.
Equal Opportunities: 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.
Employment Support Service: The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are interested in applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Service – Initial Contact and Response – Adult Social Care in London
✨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 London Borough of Hackney.
✨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 London Borough of Hackney!
✨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 London Borough of Hackney, 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 London Borough of Hackney 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 Deputy Head of Service – Initial Contact and Response – Adult Social Care in London
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 London Borough of Hackney:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to London Borough of Hackney! 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 London Borough of Hackney
✨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.
