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- Tasks: Lead teams to support adults with disabilities and drive transformation in services.
- Company: Surrey County Council, committed to improving lives and promoting independence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, agile working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and neurodiversity.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and management experience in social care or health services.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team focused on equality, diversity, and community-based services.
The starting salary for this role is £90,363 per annum, working 36 hours per week. Are you passionate about making a difference for adults with disabilities and neurodiversity? Do you have the vision and leadership to drive transformation and deliver outstanding outcomes for Surrey's residents? We are seeking an exceptional leader to become our Assistant Director - Lifelong Services - Disabilities. This is a pivotal role, leading specialist teams to provide dedicated support for individuals with learning disabilities and neurodiversity and overseeing county-wide transitions services to ensure young people and their families experience the highest quality outcomes.
You will lead the Supported Independent Living services, promote a compelling case for raising professional expectations and work collaboratively across the Council and with partners to deliver great services for residents.
About Us
The Adults, Wellbeing & Health Partnerships directorate is on a significant and ambitious transformation programme, with a focus on independence, prevention and early intervention strategies, tackling inequalities and improving access to services to ensure that no-one is left behind. You'll be part of a forward-thinking leadership team, shaping the future of services for our residents. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a real difference.
About the Role
As the Assistant Director, you will lead and manage the Learning Disability and Autism teams, Transition Team and in house Supported Independent Living services. You will be responsible for delivering assessments and interventions that promote independence and improve outcomes for individuals and their families or carers.
A key part of the role is to drive transformation from traditional institutional care to community-based services that reflect people's aspirations for ordinary lives and your role will be to work with commissioning colleagues to ensure services promote independence and build community capacity, ensuring access to universal services and employment.
Collaboration is central to the role, as you will work closely with colleagues in the Children, Families, and Lifelong Learning Directorate, as well as the NHS and other Health partners. Efficient management of budgets and resources is essential, ensuring quality, compliance and value for money. Finally, you will champion equality, diversity and inclusion, providing leadership on equality issues throughout the service.
The contractual base for this role is the Council's headquarters at Woodhatch Place in Reigate, however travel around the County for meetings and visiting teams is required. Agile working is supported, meaning you can work however, whenever, and wherever suits you best around requirements to physically attend a Surrey location.
Shortlisting Criteria
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- A degree-level or equivalent qualification, with management experience in a complex business environment.
- Membership of an appropriate professional body or evidence of continuing professional development.
- Extensive professional knowledge of social care and health service provision for adults, including the impacts of disability or autism.
- A complete understanding of the statutory framework for health and social care, relevant legislation, best practice and research.
- Proven ability to lead transformational change, manage budgets and deliver high-quality services.
- Excellent communication, analytical and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate and develop teams.
If you are ready to take the next step in your leadership career and share our ambition for excellence in adult social care, we would love to hear from you.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey. An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.
Key Dates
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 08/02/2026. Shortlisting is planned for the week commencing 09/02/2026. Interview dates to be confirmed.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will...
Assistant Director - Lifelong Services - Disabilities in Reigate employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director - Lifelong Services - Disabilities in Reigate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of disabilities and social care. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation and its values, especially around independence and community-based services. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit, but the perfect match for their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you’ve driven change or improved outcomes in previous roles. We need to demonstrate that we can lead teams effectively and inspire others to achieve great results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of your progress and provide support along the way. Let’s get that application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director - Lifelong Services - Disabilities in Reigate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out: Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Assistant Director role entails. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We want to see how your unique experiences and skills fit the specific needs of the role. Use examples from your past that demonstrate your leadership and transformational change abilities in social care.
Show Your Passion: We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely passionate about making a difference for adults with disabilities. Make sure your application reflects your commitment to improving outcomes for individuals and their families. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Apply Through Our Website: When you're ready to submit your application, make sure to do it through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the social care and health service provision for adults, especially regarding disabilities and neurodiversity. Brush up on relevant legislation and best practices so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your ability to lead transformational change and manage teams effectively. Think about times when you've inspired or motivated others, and be ready to discuss how you can bring that same energy to the Assistant Director role.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be prepared to talk about your experience in collaborative environments. Highlight any successful partnerships you've built and how they led to improved outcomes for individuals or communities.
✨Budget Management Know-How
Familiarise yourself with budget management principles, as this role requires efficient resource allocation. Be ready to discuss your experience in managing budgets and ensuring value for money while maintaining high-quality services.
