Head of Service, Social Work

Responsibilities

• Strategically lead and manage the operational delivery of statutory children’s social work services, ensuring children and young people are safeguarded, their needs are met, and outcomes are improved.
• Provide strategic leadership to social work teams, ensuring compliance with legislation, guidance, and best practice, while embedding a culture of high‑quality, child‑centred practice.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across children’s services, the Council, and partners to drive innovation and service improvement, including budgetary accountability and responsibility.

• Related degree and/or professional qualification and registration with Social Work England.
• Substantial experience working at a senior level with children, young people and their families.

• FTE Salary: £80,617 – £92,393.
• Guaranteed interview schemes.
• Closing date: 15th June 2026.
• This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If successful you will be required to declare any spent & unspent convictions, adult cautions (simple or conditional) that are not 'protected' as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 & 2020).
• The Council will not normally re‑employ ex‑employees in receipt of a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving) or a local government pension (Senior Officers only).