Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee early help services to improve outcomes for children and families.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Havering, a forward-thinking council dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, opportunities for progression, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while working in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Must have HOS experience, be SW qualified, and have knowledge of Youth Justice Services.
- Other info: Immediate start available; DBS check required for this role.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
The London Borough of Havering is looking to recruit a Strategic Head of Service for Early Help, Targeted Support, MASH, and Youth Justice to lead and direct work/practice that positively improves outcomes for children, young people and their families in Havering, and to provide strategic oversight and support to services within the role and wider children services as required.
If successful in your application for the role, you will/will be:
- Ensuring that early help services are responsive, dynamic and effective in delivering community-based universal and targeted services based on evidence of identified need to meet the needs of Havering’s children and families.
- Strategically leading, directing and overseeing the day-to-day service delivery of the Children’s services integrated front door multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH), early help preventative and support services, targeted youth support services, specialist safeguarding, youth justice service and Virtual School ensuring that all relevant agencies are working together effectively to identify and safeguard children at risk of harm.
- Ensuring children in need of help and protection are identified in a timely way and their needs responded to effectively and proportionately.
- Ensuring high standards of social work practice in line with the Children’s Services systemic model of practice so that all children and families both in universal and targeted and those in need of help and protection are in receipt of good quality, proportionate assessments.
- Providing leadership and oversight of the Early Help preventative services, including (but not limited to) the volunteering and advocacy service, children’s centre offer, family group conference service, parenting service, universal plus service as well as the early help assessment and team around the family (TAF) offer.
- Providing strategic leadership for the statutory Havering Youth Justice Service (YJS), working towards best outcomes for the young people open to the service and to prevent reoffending.
The London Borough of Havering is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please be aware that a Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS) check will be required for any position with access to these groups under the provision of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
In addition, the Authority reserves the right to request employees undertake a basic disclosure check (Disclosure Scotland) where required for the role. This includes anyone who has access to (or information obtained directly from) a government database, or has a GCSX account. These posts will be required to have a Basic Disclosure Scotland check as per the requirements of BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standards).
Please note that if you are NOT a passport holder of the country for the vacancy you might need a work permit.
Strategic Head of Service for Early Help employer: London Borough of Havering
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Havering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Head of Service for Early Help
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the social work and early help sectors. Attend local events or webinars related to children's services, as this can help you connect with key individuals who may influence the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and initiatives within the London Borough of Havering. Understanding local policies and community needs will demonstrate your commitment and readiness to tackle the role effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with budget management and strategic leadership in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led teams and improved service delivery in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your knowledge of youth justice services and early help frameworks during any interviews or discussions. Highlighting your understanding of these areas will set you apart as a candidate who is well-prepared for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Head of Service for Early Help
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in managing early help services and youth justice. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and knowledge of safeguarding practices.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for improving outcomes for children and families. Mention your strategic vision for early help services and how your previous experience aligns with the role's requirements.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your social work qualifications and any additional certifications related to youth justice or safeguarding. This will show that you meet the essential criteria for the position.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Provide examples of your leadership roles in previous positions, particularly those that involved multi-agency collaboration. Emphasise your ability to lead teams effectively and drive positive change.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Havering
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your experience in managing early help services and your knowledge of Youth Justice Services. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've improved outcomes for children and families in previous roles.
✨Understand the Local Context
Research the London Borough of Havering and its specific challenges and opportunities regarding children's services. Demonstrating an understanding of local needs will show your commitment and readiness to lead effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Prepare scenarios where you had to make tough decisions or manage crises, particularly in safeguarding and multi-agency collaboration.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
As a Strategic Head of Service, your leadership style is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you motivate teams, foster collaboration, and drive change within services. Share examples of how you've led teams to achieve strategic goals.
