At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multiple social work teams during a major transformation in children's services.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation in the West Midlands focused on impactful change.
- Benefits: Earn £500/day with a short-term contract and immediate start.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping future service delivery.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in children's social care and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: This is a time-critical role; apply now to be part of this exciting change!
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 140000 £ per year.
Head of Service – Children’s
Rate: £500 per day (Inside IR35, umbrella)
Hybrid
Start Date: ASAP
End Date: Initially until end of April
About the Role
Our client is seeking an experienced Head of Service – Children’s to lead a portfolio including children’s homes, semi-independent provision, fostering services and corporate parenting functions.
Working closely with senior leaders and partners, you will ensure services are safe, effective and aligned with national standards and local priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership across regulated children’s services
- Act as Responsible Individual for fostering and residential care
- Drive innovation, quality assurance and performance improvement
- Lead on placement sufficiency and commissioning
- Champion co-production and the voice of the child
- Ensure compliance with Ofsted and statutory requirements
- Maintain strong governance, financial oversight and partnership working
Key Requirements
- Registered Social Worker with Social Work England
- Relevant management qualification
- Proven senior leadership experience within complex children’s services
- Strong track record of delivering strategic outcomes and service improvement
- Experience managing regulated services and leading through inspections
- Excellent stakeholder, partnership and financial management skills
- Deep understanding of safeguarding, inclusion and corporate parenting
If you have the relevant qualifications and experience, please apply today!
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Head of Service - Children\'s employer: Venn Group
Contact Detail:
Venn Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service - Children\'s
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in children's services, especially those who have experience in transformation projects. Attend relevant conferences or workshops in the West Midlands to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the local landscape.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Future Foundations model and any recent changes in children's social care legislation. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a fast-evolving field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams through periods of change. Use specific examples that highlight your adaptability and decision-making skills, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation's current challenges and successes in children's services. Tailor your discussions to show how your experience aligns with their needs, particularly in maintaining service quality during transitions.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service - Children\'s
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in children's services and leadership roles. Focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple teams and navigate change effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you meet these criteria, particularly your adaptability and decision-making skills.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention any relevant qualifications or certifications related to children's social care. This could include training in safeguarding, quality assurance, or any leadership programmes you've completed.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Venn Group
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in children's services, particularly focusing on your leadership experience. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led teams through change or transformation, as this role requires strong leadership skills.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
Given the fast-moving nature of this position, it's crucial to illustrate your ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Share instances where you've had to pivot quickly in response to new challenges or operational demands.
✨Emphasise Collaborative Skills
This role involves working closely with senior leaders and various teams. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered collaboration in past roles, ensuring high-quality service delivery while managing multiple teams.
✨Understand Statutory Responsibilities
Make sure you have a solid grasp of statutory responsibilities, safeguarding, and quality assurance in children's social care. Prepare to discuss how you've ensured compliance and maintained high standards in these areas in your previous positions.