At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform adult social care services to improve lives in the community.
- Company: Join Sandwell Council, a forward-thinking organisation committed to positive change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and the chance to shape essential services.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence and drive change in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Experience in adult social care and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40582 - 49600 £ per year.
Lead with Purpose. Transform Services. Improve Lives. Sandwell is a borough with ambition, momentum and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for the people and communities we serve. This is a significant opportunity to join Sandwell Council as Service Director of Direct Services, leading a large and highly visible portfolio at the heart of Adult Social Care and Health.
You will be responsible for the operational leadership, performance, transformation and sustainability of directly provided services, ensuring they are high-quality, person-centred, financially resilient and fit for the future. Direct Services are front-facing, complex and vital to the lives of residents, families and communities. From prevention, intermediate care and reablement through to accommodation, day services, residential and nursing provision, this role brings the opportunity to shape services that people rely on every day.
We are looking for a credible, visible and values-led leader who understands the realities of operational delivery, but can also step back and set a clear strategic direction. You will bring the confidence to lead transformation, the judgement to manage risk well, and the ability to build a culture where decisions are made at the right level, staff feel supported, and performance and accountability are strengthened.
You will play a key role in ensuring Sandwell's directly provided services are modern, sustainable and responsive to changing needs. This will include leading service improvement, preparing for and responding to CQC inspections, strengthening quality assurance, shaping new delivery models and making better use of digital technology and intelligence to support integrated, efficient and joined-up services. You will also undertake the nominated individual role for our CQC registered services.
Partnership will be central to your success. You will work closely with health partners, voluntary and community organisations, elected members, corporate colleagues and operational teams to ensure services are connected, coordinated and focused on what matters most to residents.
This is also a people leadership role of real scale. With a substantial workforce and significant budgets, you will need to inspire confidence, bring clarity, and create the conditions for teams to perform well through change. We want someone who can engage a committed workforce, support managers to lead with confidence, and bring fresh thinking to how services are delivered.
Sandwell is on an important improvement and transformation journey. There is strong senior leadership commitment, a stable and developing leadership team, and a genuine opportunity for this postholder to help shape the next phase of Adult Social Care and Health. You will join at a time when relationships are being built, structures are evolving and there is space to influence, contribute and make a lasting impact.
We are seeking an experienced leader with a strong understanding of adult social care, direct service delivery, safeguarding, quality, performance and operational transformation. You may come from local government, health, social care or a related environment, but you will need to demonstrate the ability to operate strategically, lead complexity, work confidently with members and partners, and keep the people we serve at the centre of every decision.
If you are ready to lead visible, essential services at scale, drive cultural and operational improvement, and help shape sustainable adult social care services for the future, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Closing date for applications: Midnight on Sunday 6th September
Company: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Salary: A3 98,135 - A3 113,630
Location: Sandwell, West Midlands
Service Director – Direct Services employer: Social Care Today
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. As a Senior Social Worker in Maldon, you will benefit from hybrid working options, allowing for a balanced work-life dynamic, while also having the opportunity to mentor colleagues and make a meaningful impact on the lives of adults with physical and sensory impairments. With a commitment to high-quality care and collaboration across various agencies, you will find a rewarding environment that fosters growth and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Director – Direct Services
✨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 Social Care Today.
✨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 Social Care Today!
✨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 Social Care Today, 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 Social Care Today 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 Service Director – Direct Services
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 Social Care Today:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Social Care Today! 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 Social Care Today
✨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.
