At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives for Children in Care and Adoption services, ensuring high-quality support.
- Company: Staffordshire County Council, committed to child welfare and community improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to collaborate with various sectors to enhance outcomes for children.
- Why this job: Shape the future of vulnerable children and drive meaningful change in their lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership roles within social care and a passion for child welfare.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Staffordshire County Council is seeking a values-driven Head of Service to provide strategic leadership across Children in Care, Care Leavers, UASC, Fostering and Adoption services. You will ensure high-quality, safe, child-centred support, driving improvement, permanence and placement sufficiency while acting as corporate parent.
You will lead service transformation, manage budgets, develop carers and adopters, and build strong partnerships with health, education and housing to improve outcomes.
Strategic Head of Children in Care & Adoption 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 Strategic Head of Children in Care & Adoption
✨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 Strategic Head of Children in Care & Adoption
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.
