At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and modernise social care services for children and families in a supportive environment.
- Company: Southend on Sea City Council, dedicated to improving community lives.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; minimum 3 days on-site at the Civic Centre.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading innovative service improvements.
- Qualifications: Recognised Social Work qualification and experience in leading change in children's services.
The predicted salary is between 61800 - 71800 £ per year.
Your New Organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role
The Head of Service will lead and modernise social care and delivery services to children, their families and carers, whilst ensuring the best deployment of resources that provide the highest quality of service. There will be a need to performance manage 3 service managers that cover CSPOC (formally MASH+), Assessment & Intervention, Family Support & Protection Team and Children with Disabilities. The Head of Service will lead, develop, provide direction and create a supportive, innovative and transparent environment for the wider service, so that individuals can work collaboratively to enable practice groups to achieve excellence in service delivery. As part of the Children’s Social Care management team, the new Head of Service will share responsibility for the development and implementation of the annual service plan, including identification of learning and development needs to support targets and direction. This will reflect broader council and departmental objectives, and government-led guidance or initiatives for the service. Southend are in the process of creating a new Families First service which goes live in May. The Head of Service will be directly responsible for this new and exciting service. Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 3 days a week.
What you'll need to succeed
- To be shortlisted for this position, you must be able to work in the UK, have a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.
- You are required to be an experienced Children’s Head of Service with experience of leading change & transformation.
- Have extensive knowledge of working with vulnerable children and young people, along with expertise in effective strategies for reducing social exclusion, anti-social behaviours and other risk issues.
- Have proven experience in partnership working at senior level, along with long-term experience in successfully driving service improvement.
- You need to be able to lead by example, and through your behaviour and positive professional approach to work.
- Be able to encourage team motivation and achievements.
- Actively challenge bad behaviour and respect other people’s views.
What you'll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.
What you need to do now
If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. If you would like a copy the Job Description, please Click here. If you are wanting further information that isn't in the JD, please contact Nathalie at Nathalie.s@hays.com. Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
R2R103791 - Head of Service - Safeguarding and Family Support Service in Southend-on-Sea employer: South End City Council
Southend on Sea City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career in local government with a strong commitment to community service and employee well-being. With flexible working practices, extensive training and development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children and families. The Council's focus on innovation and regeneration projects further enhances the work environment, making it a great place to grow professionally while contributing to the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103791 - Head of Service - Safeguarding and Family Support Service in Southend-on-Sea
✨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 South End City Council.
✨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 South End City Council!
✨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 South End City Council, 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 South End City Council 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 R2R103791 - Head of Service - Safeguarding and Family Support Service in Southend-on-Sea
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 South End City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to South End City Council! 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 South End City Council
✨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.
