At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform adult social care services while managing budgets and partnerships.
- Company: Thurrock Council, a supportive and well-resourced local authority.
- Benefits: Competitive daily pay, weekly payments, and a stable working environment.
- Other info: Great transport links and a supportive management team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in adult social care and shape future services.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education and professional qualification in social work required.
The predicted salary is between 29881 - 39294 £ per year.
Thurrock Council is seeking a Director of Operations for Adult Social Care based at Civic Offices, Grays, Essex (RM17 6SL). This is a senior interim leadership role within the Adults and Health directorate, reporting to the Executive Director: Adults and Health, at a rate of £298.81-£392.94 per day. The start date is 22 June 2026.
The postholder will manage the development and delivery of adult social care across the authority, leading transformation programmes, overseeing service budgets, and ensuring legislative compliance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Establishing and leading the adult social care programme transformation office
- Shaping new models of care
- Developing partnerships across public, private, voluntary and community sectors
- Co-ordinating with Commercial Services and Commissioning
- Deputising for the Executive Director as required
Candidates must be educated to degree level or equivalent and hold a recognised professional qualification (e.g. degree or diploma in social work or CQSW). At least two years' relevant middle management experience with demonstrable success in inter-agency working, financial management, and equalities leadership is required. An enhanced DBS is required.
What's on offer:
- Excellent, competitive pay rates - paid weekly
- Supportive management team with approachable, experienced leaders
- A desirable location with great transport links
- A stable, well-resourced, and encouraging working environment
Director of Operations – Adult Social Care – #OR104455 in Grays employer: Semester.co.uk
Durham County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive management team and a stable, well-resourced working environment in the desirable location of Seaham, County Durham. With competitive pay rates and opportunities for hybrid working, employees can thrive both professionally and personally while contributing to meaningful service development and transformation in children's care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations – Adult Social Care – #OR104455 in Grays
✨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 Semester.co.uk.
✨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 Semester.co.uk!
✨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 Semester.co.uk, 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 Semester.co.uk 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 Director of Operations – Adult Social Care – #OR104455 in Grays
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 Semester.co.uk:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Semester.co.uk! 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 Semester.co.uk
✨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.
