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- Tasks: Lead and manage children's services, ensuring timely support for families in need.
- Company: Join a local authority dedicated to child welfare and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with flexible hours and competitive pay.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care management and a full UK driving licence required.
- Other info: This is a politically restricted post with an enhanced DBS check.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
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We are recruiting: Head of Children\’s Services
Location:Hybrid – West Midlands
Rate:Negotiable
Duration:3 month contract initially
Purpose:
- Lead a local authority’s Children’s Directorate in delivering statutory duties for children in need, protection, and those looked after, ensuring families receive timely support in line with the Early Help Strategy.
- Oversee operational decision-making alongside strategic planning to ensure services are efficient, effective, and aligned with corporate priorities. Support elected members in their corporate parenting responsibilities.
- Drive service change, motivate teams, and develop strong partnerships both internally and externally. Represent the authority regionally, sharing best practice and promoting child-centred services.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure safeguarding is a priority and statutory compliance is maintained
- Manage a substantial social care budget (~£80m) efficiently
- Lead commissioning, contract management, and multi-agency working
- Exercise delegated statutory powers, including agency decision-making
- Use feedback from children and families to inform service planning
- Promote good employment practices and staff development
- Maintain oversight of business continuity, risk, and emergency planning
Requirements:
- Politically restricted post
- Enhanced DBS
- Full UK driving licence, business insurance, valid MOT
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Head of Children\'s Services employer: Venn Group
Contact Detail:
Venn Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Children\'s Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in children's services and local authorities. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet key players in the field, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Early Help Strategy and current best practices in child protection. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing substantial budgets and leading teams. Be ready to provide examples of how you've driven service change and improved outcomes for children and families in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the local authority's current challenges and priorities. Tailoring your approach to show how you can address these issues will make you a more attractive candidate for the Head of Children's Services position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Children\'s Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Children's Services. Understand the key responsibilities and requirements, especially around safeguarding, budget management, and service change.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in children's services, particularly in leadership roles. Emphasise your skills in managing budgets, strategic planning, and multi-agency collaboration.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that directly addresses how your experience aligns with the role's requirements. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to lead teams, manage resources, and drive service improvements.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention any relevant qualifications or certifications, such as social work qualifications or leadership training, that would support your application for this politically restricted post.
How to prepare for a job interview at Venn Group
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Make sure you have a deep understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Children's Services role. Familiarise yourself with the Early Help Strategy and how it aligns with the local authority's objectives.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams effectively, drive service change, and motivate staff. Highlight any previous experiences where you successfully managed substantial budgets or implemented strategic plans.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Partnership Building
Discuss your experience in building strong partnerships both internally and externally. Be ready to share specific instances where you worked with other agencies or stakeholders to improve services for children and families.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions that may require you to think on your feet, such as how you would handle a safeguarding issue or manage a crisis. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills effectively.
