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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 valid UK driving licence required.
- Other info: This is a politically restricted post; enhanced DBS check needed.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
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
For more information, please contact Lola onlbrookes@venngroup.com,07441 916248
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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
Familiarise yourself with the local authority's current policies and practices regarding children's services. Understanding their specific challenges and successes will help you tailor your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of children's services, especially those who have experience in local authorities. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with budget management and multi-agency collaboration. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and driven service change in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and legislation affecting children's services. Demonstrating your knowledge of recent developments will show your commitment to the role and your ability to lead effectively.
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: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in children's services, particularly in leadership roles. Emphasise your achievements in managing budgets, driving service improvements, and working with multi-agency teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for children's services and your understanding of the Early Help Strategy. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and implemented changes in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention any relevant qualifications or training that align with the role's requirements, such as leadership in social care, safeguarding certifications, or experience in statutory compliance.
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 local authority's Early Help Strategy and how it aligns with statutory duties for children in need.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams effectively, drive service change, and motivate staff. Highlight any previous experience in managing substantial budgets and overseeing operational decision-making.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Partnerships
Discuss your experience in building strong partnerships both internally and externally. Be ready to share specific instances where you successfully collaborated with other agencies or stakeholders to enhance service delivery.
✨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. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
