Deputy Head of Services – Initial Contact and Response in London

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 we are able to meet 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.

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.

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.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CVs. 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.

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.