Head of Service Adult Mental Health & LD

Head of Service – Adult Mental Health & LD 6-month interim assignment West Midlands (Hybrid/remote with some on-site presence) £ per hour Inside IR35 (via umbrella)

Start date:

20th September 2026 CVs submission to the client within 48 hours Role overview

Reporting to the Director of Adult Social Care Operations, you will lead the strategic design and operational delivery of specialist services for adults with learning disabilities and complex mental health needs. You will shape the service model, drive continuous improvement and ensure statutory duties are met across assessment, care management and specialist provision. You will manage significant service budgets, promote commercial thinking to deliver public value, and support strategic work streams delegated by the Chief Executive and Executive Director.

• Lead the strategic development and oversight of specialist Adult Social Care services, including learning disability and mental health pathways.
• Partner with Children’s Services, NHS trusts and health partners to deliver integrated community and hospital-based support for vulnerable adults.
• Design and implement operational systems that ensure compliance with statutory duties and national policy.
• Lead on Department of Health transformation priorities and cross-cutting Adult Social Care responsibilities.
• Oversee assessment and care management functions within specialist learning disability and mental health services.
• Provide clear leadership and accountability for service performance, quality and continuous improvement.
• Take strategic and operational responsibility for service delivery, workforce and resource management.

• Degree-level qualification (or equivalent) in social work, health or a related field.
• Proven track record as a Head of Service (or equivalent) within Adult Social Care, with substantial experience in learning disability and/or specialist mental health services.
• Strong operational leadership in a local authority setting, including managing complex, high-pressure services.
• Demonstrated ability to lead service redesign, transformation and continuous improvement.
• Experience of multi-agency working with health, children’s services and partner agencies.
• Strong report-writing, governance and performance-management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of Adult Social Care legislation, policy and statutory duties.
• Experience of managing significant service budgets and resources.
• Willingness to travel across the region as required.

Our clients are passionate about creating and evolving a diverse workforce and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant. Recruiting decisions are based on your experience and skills. Any reasonable adjustments in the workplace will be fully supported during the application and hiring process.