At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to deliver exceptional adult social care services.
- Company: Join Wakefield Council, dedicated to empowering residents and enhancing community well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for innovation and professional growth.
- Other info: Informal discussions available; application deadline is 17 August 2025.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while fostering respect and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in social care and a passion for quality service.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Lead the Future of Adult Social Care – Make a Lasting Impact in Wakefield
Are you ready to inspire change and shape the future of Adult Social Care? Wakefield Council is looking for a visionary Service Director – Adult Social Care Operations to drive our ambitious Maximising Independence Strategy. This is more than a leadership role – it’s your opportunity to transform lives and create a district where independence and wellbeing thrive.
As a qualified Social Worker with proven leadership experience, you’ll bring energy, innovation, and a relentless commitment to quality care. You’ll unite teams, champion collaboration, and deliver exceptional services that, through our practice, empower residents to live fulfilling lives for longer.
We’re looking for someone who shares our values:
- Respect and kindness in everything we do
- Strong partnerships built on trust and collaboration
- Ambition and vision to make Wakefield a place where everyone can flourish
Driving Excellence and Compliance
You’ll play a critical role in ensuring our services not only meet but exceed Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards. Your leadership will guarantee that quality, safety, and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do, delivering outstanding outcomes for the people we support.
What We Offer
- 31‑33 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Flexible full‑time working pattern of 37 hours per week
- Access to high‑quality training and career development programmes
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with a 16.3% employer contribution
- Inclusion in our employee support schemes and wellbeing initiatives
- Great range of benefits including discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12‑week exercise program, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, cycle‑to‑work scheme and many more.
Essential Requirement:
You must be a registered Social Worker with proven senior leadership experience in adult social care.
To apply:
Send your up‑to‑date CV (including contact details) and a supporting statement outlining how you meet the essential criteria to seniorrecruitment@wakefield.gov.uk.
Contact
For an informal discussion: Contact Rachel Bowes at rbowes@wakefield.gov.uk or 01924 303584.
Selection Process:
Technical Interview, Assessment Centre and Elected Members Panel will take place during the second and fourth week of February 2026.
Service Director - Adult Social Care Operations in Wakefield employer: Wakefield Council
Wakefield Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming Adult Social Care through innovative leadership and a commitment to quality. Our supportive work culture prioritises collaboration and respect, offering ample opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in Wakefield, where your vision can thrive and contribute to empowering residents to lead fulfilling lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Director - Adult Social Care Operations in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Research Wakefield Council's current initiatives and the Maximising Independence Strategy. Understanding their goals and challenges will help you align your vision with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the adult social care sector, especially those connected to Wakefield. Engaging with them can provide insights into the council's culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven innovation and quality in previous roles. Highlighting your achievements in empowering residents and improving outcomes will demonstrate your suitability for this pivotal position.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to Rachel Bowes for an informal chat before applying. This can give you a clearer understanding of what they are looking for and allow you to tailor your approach accordingly.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Director - Adult Social Care Operations in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Service Director position. Highlight key phrases that resonate with your experience and align with the council's vision.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect your leadership experience in adult social care. Emphasise your achievements in empowering residents and driving innovative strategies, ensuring it aligns with the Maximising Independence Strategy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for quality care and social work. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you embody the values of respect, kindness, and collaboration.
Proofread and Submit:Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for clarity and grammatical accuracy. Ensure that you follow the submission guidelines and submit before the closing date of 17 August 2025.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wakefield Council
✨Show Your Passion for Social Care
Make sure to express your genuine passion for adult social care during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted individuals' lives in previous roles, as this will resonate with the council's commitment to empowering residents.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Service Director, you'll need to showcase your leadership abilities. Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams, driving change, and fostering collaboration. Highlight any successful initiatives you've implemented that align with the Maximising Independence Strategy.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think about challenges you've faced in the past and how you approached them, particularly in relation to delivering quality care and innovative solutions.
✨Align with Their Values
Research Wakefield Council's values and mission statement. During the interview, make connections between your personal values and those of the council, especially regarding respect, kindness, and collaboration. This alignment will demonstrate your fit for the role.
