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- Tasks: Lead and transform critical frontline services to enhance community support.
- Company: Sandwell, a vibrant borough focused on empowering residents and communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Join us in shaping services that change lives and drive community improvement.
- Qualifications: Qualified social work professional with senior management experience and a passion for public service.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for significant organisational impact and workforce development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Enabling People, Empowering Communities, Enhancing Places. Sandwell’s story is one of potential and striving to realise the ambitions of our borough, our residents and communities. We have been through a period of significant challenge including government intervention, but through determination and our drive for excellence, we look to the future with pride and a sense of purpose. While we have come so far, there is more to do; breaking down silos, embedding our values across the organisation, and ensuring that we continue to transform to deliver the best services for our residents.
Leading a workforce of around 600 colleagues, you will shape a single, coherent operating model across Prevention, Reablement, STAR (Home support service), learning disability provision, Day Opportunities, Extra Care, Cransport, Community Alarms Services, Enquiry “front door service”, Joint Equipment Service and our Occupational Therapy and Sensory service. You will be the nominated person for provider services, ensuring that quality, safety and assurance are at the heart of everything we do.
This is an exciting time to join us. You will lead a major organisational restructure to future proof our services, and drive transformation across our front door and direct service pathways. You will also play a central role in ensuring that our provider services are CQC ready, responding to inspection outcomes, accelerating improvement and implementing a robust improvement plan. You will bring strategic grip and operational clarity, with a strong sense of accountability for a complex and critical service.
Working in a dynamic landscape shaped by changes in policy and the wider system, you will be at the forefront of modernising practice, supporting market sustainability, embracing digital opportunities and ensuring our services are fit for today and tomorrow. We are seeking an individual with a strong passion for workforce development who will lead the ongoing enhancement of the Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care, helping to build a confident, skilled, and engaged workforce that consistently delivers high-quality care and support.
We are looking for a leader with energy, credibility and a deep understanding of direct services and prevention. A qualified and registered social work professional, you will bring substantial senior management experience, a strong track record of leading large operational teams and experience of delivering improvement at pace. You will be passionate about public service, confident managing complexity, and ready to make a tangible difference in Sandwell, a borough with ambition and momentum.
If you are excited by the challenge, motivated by improvement and ready to lead services that change lives every day, we would love to hear from you.
For further information speak to our executive search partners GatenbySanderson: Alex Hayes (0113 205 6109)
Closing date: Friday 10th April
To apply please click the Apply Now link below.
Service Director – Direct Services (Adults) employer: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Director – Direct Services (Adults)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable talking about your achievements and how they relate to the role. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission to empower communities.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Director – Direct Services (Adults)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Service Director role. Highlight your experience in leading operational teams and driving transformation, as these are key aspects we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for public service and workforce development. Share examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in adult social care, to demonstrate your commitment to improving lives.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas and ensure that your qualifications and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Service Director for Direct Services. Familiarise yourself with Sandwell's values, the services mentioned in the job description, and current challenges in adult social care. This will help you demonstrate your passion and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading large operational teams and driving transformation. Think about specific situations where you've successfully implemented change or improved services, as this will resonate well with the interviewers looking for a strong leader.
✨Emphasise Your Strategic Vision
Be ready to discuss your approach to modernising practice and ensuring services are fit for the future. Share your thoughts on workforce development and how you would enhance the Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care, showing that you can think strategically while being hands-on.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the current challenges they face, their vision for the future, and how they measure success in direct services. This shows you're engaged and serious about making a difference.