Head of Service - Social Work Service

Overview

Company: Polaris Children's Services

Location: British Forces Cyprus (BFC)

Base Location: Episkopi, British Forces Cyprus

Contract: Full time, permanent

Specific Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £48,000 per annum (paid in Euros at the applicable exchange rate) plus on-call payments

Reporting to: Executive Head of Service, British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS)

Benefits: 24 days annual leave plus Cyprus bank holidays (number may vary by year as per local observance), Life Insurance x 2, Employee Discount Scheme

Polaris Children's Services is part of the Polaris Community of companies and delivers statutory and non-statutory social care services in the UK and to military communities overseas.

Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will work in accordance with the vision, aims and objectives of the BFSWS, Service Charter, Strategic and Service Delivery Plans, the Local Safeguarding Board Child Protection Procedures, the principles of the Children Act and requirements around services for adults at risk.
• Provide overall leadership and management to the British Forces Social Work Service in Cyprus, including staff management, strategic service delivery and acting as senior lead contact for partner agencies and command personnel within British Forces Cyprus.
• Operate in line with the Professional Capabilities Framework at strategic level.
• Lead, develop and deliver integrated services under the current contract to meet the needs of service personnel, children, young people and their families.
• Ensure compliance with practice guidance, statutory duties and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) requirements.
• Review contract compliance, report non-compliance to stakeholders and assess and reduce risk.
• Identify and report gaps in service provision, unmet need, key themes and trends, along with associated risks and mitigation plans.
• Negotiate with key personnel for appropriate resources.
• Interface and maintain effective communication and joint working practices with BFSWS overseas, relevant Chains of Command and partner agencies.
• Participate in local command strategic meetings, including safeguarding partnerships and contract management boards.
• Work closely with the BFSWS QA Manager to ensure delivery of the Quality Assurance Framework and preparation of reports.
• Undertake staff recruitment, manage performance, attendance, disciplinary and grievance processes.
• Ensure a positive team ethos within a unique cultural environment.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the grade and nature of the post.

Requirements

• Experience of working at a strategic level with an understanding of overseas military environments.
• Professional Social Work qualification (BA (Hons), Dip SW, CQSW, CSS) and registration with Social Work England or equivalent.
• Post Qualifying Award in Social Work.
• Leadership and Management qualification - essential.
• Minimum of five years' post-qualification experience in a social work management role.
• Experience across a broad range of social work roles.
• High-level report writing skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation and safeguarding procedures.
• Willingness and ability to work flexibly, including travel across Cyprus and to the UK.
• Full manual driving licence.
• Participation in the Out of Hours duty management rota - essential.

Polaris Children's Services are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and relevant local police checks, the cost of which will be met by Polaris Children's Services.

Polaris Children's Services is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

The service is currently undergoing a review; therefore, while we are committed to this role, some aspects including title, roles and responsibilities may be subject to change.