At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform Adult Social Care services with strategic and operational expertise.
- Company: Join Wirral Council, dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Opportunity for professional growth and impactful leadership experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while driving innovation in social care.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and experience in performance management required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Internal Vacancy - Please note that in accordance with the Council’s policy, employees who are in a formal redeployment situation will be considered in the first instance for all vacancies. This job may be suitable as a secondment opportunity for internal candidates wishing to gain experience in a higher or different role. Managers and applicants must note that all secondments are subject to agreement between the relevant departments and therefore the recruiting manager must speak with HR before offering a job on a secondment basis.
About the Role
An exciting 6-month fixed-term opportunity has arisen within Adult Social Care for an experienced senior leader to work in collaboration with the Adults Senior Leadership Team. Working collaboratively with Adult Social Care colleagues, health partners and the wider Council, you will provide both strategic and operational leadership, driving transformation and embedding sustainable change across services.
About the Candidate
The successful candidate will have a proven track record of effective leadership, strong performance management and high-quality governance. You will bring expertise in workforce planning, emergency planning and business development, while promoting a culture of innovation, engagement and continuous improvement. Reporting to the Assistant Director and working closely with senior managers and operational leaders, you will play a key role in delivering priorities, improving outcomes and ensuring services are delivered effectively within financial constraints. This is an excellent opportunity for a dynamic and forward-thinking leader who is passionate about making a difference in Adult Social Care.
For more information about the role, please contact simongarner@wirral.gov.uk. Interviews will be held on 17th August 2026.
As part of our Talent Strategy, we’re committed to strengthening opportunities for our people to learn, grow, progress and thrive. For many of you, this may be preparing and applying for your next role with us, and we're passionate about ensuring you feel supported throughout your internal recruitment experience. Please get in touch if you want to know more about some of the ways in which we could support you by emailing recruitment@wirral.gov.uk.
Wirral Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of our safer recruitment process, this post will be subject to thorough pre-employment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance, verified reference checks and verification of qualifications. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, including a check of the relevant Barred List(s).
The Safer Recruitment & Employment Policy and the Disclosures for Recruitment Procedure can be found at: Safer Recruitment and Employment.
It is Council policy not to re-appoint any employee who has left under the terms of the Council's Early Voluntary Retirement (EVR) scheme or who have left with a voluntary severance (VS) package, unless in exceptional circumstances. Applications will be accepted until midnight on the closing date. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications. Applications can only be accepted through the Jobs page following registration. Forms received via the post will not be processed. All applicants invited to interview must evidence their right to work in the UK. Details of required documents can be found by clicking the link at the bottom of the Jobs page. The job description and other supporting documents will not be accessible once the vacancy closing date has passed so if a copy is required you should download it now.
How to apply
Please apply online by clicking the link below.
Head of Service - Operational Delivery Adult Social Care employer: Wirral Jobs Internal
Joining Wirral Council means becoming part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a real difference in the community. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, professional development, and an inclusive culture, we offer a supportive environment where your contributions are valued. Enjoy benefits like flexible working arrangements, generous leave, and a commitment to recognising and rewarding your efforts as you help shape the future of education for children and young people in our area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service - Operational Delivery Adult Social Care
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Wirral Jobs Internal, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service - Operational Delivery Adult Social Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Wirral Jobs Internal. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Wirral Jobs Internal. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wirral Jobs Internal
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Wirral Jobs Internal.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Head of Service - Operational Delivery Adult Social Care role at Wirral Jobs Internal, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Wirral Jobs Internal that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
