At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding services and support children and families in urgent situations.
- Company: Stoke-on-Trent City Council, dedicated to improving local services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape vital services.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field, social work qualification, and senior management experience.
The predicted salary is between 77581 - 81549 £ per year.
Directorate: Children and Family Services
Section: Integrated Front Door, Emergency Duty Team and Multi-Agency Child Protection Team
Grade: SM4 (£77,581-£81,549 per annum)
Hours: 37 hours per week, with standby duty on a rota basis outside normal working hours as required
This advert is open to both internal and external applicants.
About us
We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on-Trent City Council is more than just a job; it is about making, protecting and improving services for local people, reducing inequalities and improving independence for those who live and work in the city. That is where you come in. We are looking for people of the highest calibre, with the skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision. Stoke-on-Trent City Council's diverse and talented workforce is its greatest asset. The skills, knowledge and experience of our employees are essential to delivering our ambitions for the organisation and the city. We want to be an employer people are proud to work for, where staff are supported, developed and rewarded in an inclusive way that helps them excel and deliver the high-quality services our residents need.
Join Our Children and Families Service
We are growing and developing our Children and Families workforce as part of an ambitious programme of service transformation. We are looking for talented, committed and values-led professionals to join us.
The Role
As Head of Service, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Integrated Front Door, Emergency Duty Team and Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT). These services are central to Stoke-on-Trent's safeguarding response, ensuring concerns are considered promptly, urgent situations are managed outside normal working hours and statutory child protection activity is coordinated effectively. You will set clear direction, strengthen performance and quality, and lead service improvement with children's experiences and safety at the centre of decision‑making.
About You
- A degree in a relevant subject, a recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
- Detailed knowledge of children's services legislation, statutory safeguarding responsibilities and the regulatory framework for local authority children's social care.
- Substantial senior management experience in children's services, including strategic planning, operational delivery and people management within a complex local authority or similar environment.
- Experience of leading statutory safeguarding, front door or child protection services, with the professional judgement to make clear decisions in urgent and high‑risk situations.
- A strong record of managing change, improving performance and quality, and planning and reviewing services against local and national expectations.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with significant experience of partnership working, budget management and leading large multidisciplinary workforces.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across the Integrated Front Door, Emergency Duty Team and MACPT, with clear accountability for safe, timely and effective services.
- Ensure contacts and safeguarding concerns receive a proportionate response, urgent out-of-hours situations are managed effectively and statutory child protection duties are met.
- Develop and maintain effective performance and quality‑management systems, using evidence and service information to identify and deliver sustained improvement.
- Lead, organise and develop the workforce, maintaining high standards of professional practice, supervision, safer recruitment and staff development.
- Plan and control delegated budgets and resources, delivering agreed priorities and targets within available funding and council requirements.
- Provide expert advice to senior leaders and elected members, strengthen multi‑agency partnerships and participate in the senior management standby rota when required.
Why Join Us?
- Lead services that make critical safeguarding decisions and provide urgent support to children and families when they need it most.
- Shape the continued development of the Integrated Front Door, Emergency Duty Team and MACPT as part of the council's improvement and transformation programme.
- Work closely with senior leaders and partner agencies to improve the consistency, quality and impact of Stoke-on-Trent's safeguarding response.
What we offer
- A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent.
- Hybrid and flexible working options, where these are compatible with the needs of the role and service.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training and apprenticeship and management programmes.
Pre-employment checks
Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:
- Right to Work in the UK.
- Proof of address.
- Satisfactory references.
- Occupational Health clearance.
- Evidence of relevant professional qualifications or registrations.
- A DBS check at the appropriate level.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and we expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the successful applicant will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Additional information
If an employee who is currently at risk of redundancy within the organisation applies for this vacancy, their application will receive priority. If this happens, you will be advised accordingly. Your career matters here. At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we are committed to helping our people thrive. From competitive pay and a supportive working environment to opportunities for development and career progression, we invest in our workforce because we know it is our greatest asset. We are building an inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve, where everyone is welcomed, valued and encouraged to make a difference.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they do not meet every listed requirement. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves and can succeed together.
Head of Service Integrated Front Door, Emergency Duty Team & MACPT employer: We Manage Jobs(WMJobs)
Walsall Council is an exceptional employer for Social Workers, offering a supportive environment that prioritises manageable workloads and professional development. With a recent 'Outstanding' OFSTED rating, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, specialised clinical supervision, and a commitment to anti-discrimination and equality, ensuring a fulfilling career dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service Integrated Front Door, Emergency Duty Team & MACPT
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at We Manage Jobs(WMJobs).
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from We Manage Jobs(WMJobs)!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like We Manage Jobs(WMJobs), will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at We Manage Jobs(WMJobs) or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service Integrated Front Door, Emergency Duty Team & MACPT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to We Manage Jobs(WMJobs):Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to We Manage Jobs(WMJobs)! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at We Manage Jobs(WMJobs)
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
