Assistant Director Adult Services

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Milton Keynes City Council as the Assistant Director of Adult Social Care. The post reports to the Director of Adult Social Services (DASS) for Milton Keynes City Council and as is accountable for the delivery, quality and performance of our adult social care services.

We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to achieve the best outcomes for our residents. In return, we offer a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and excellent professional development opportunities. If you are passionate about making a difference in adult social care and have the expertise to lead our team, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position.

The assessment process for the role will be held at Civic Offices on 7 June 2024.

For an informal chat about the position and to book a telephone call with the Director, please contact Lisa Hutchinson, Senior Executive Assistant to the Director of Adult Services (DASS), at lisa.hutchinson@milton-keynes.gov.uk.

Main Responsibility

• Lead and provide strategic direction for Adult Social Care Services, overseeing areas such as social work services across mental health, older people, younger adults, hospital discharge and safeguarding.
• Ensure compliance with statutory obligations meet national and local performance targets, and drive continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Collaborate closely with the Assistant Director of Commissioning to establish the direction for commissioning adult social care services, monitoring contracts, and ensuring quality assurance.
• Manage budgets for adult social care services and relevant health services, identifying areas of financial pressure and responding effectively to financial challenges.
• Foster partnerships across the Health and Social Care system to promote independence, reablement, wellbeing, and choice for service users.
• Work collaboratively with senior leaders across the city council to deliver the Council Plan and enhance outcomes for people while maintaining value for money.
• Implement safeguarding policies and procedures across all Adult Services and wider partnerships.
• Ensure that Local Authority Social Services functions are delivered in compliance with all statutory requirements within Adult Social Care.

The Ideal Candidate

• Extensive experience at a senior management level in developing and delivering Adult Social Care services, preferably within Local Government or other complex organisations.
• Hold a degree in a relevant subject, along with a professional qualification, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development.
• Proven track record of driving performance management, managing budgets, and leading transformation in health and social care settings.
• Comprehensive understanding of legal, commercial, political, and operational aspects of complex environments in health and social care leadership.
• In-depth knowledge of legislative frameworks, statutory requirements, and health service regulations within Adult Social Care.
• Experience in strategic planning, service delivery, and commissioning frameworks while upholding principles of equality and diversity.
• For this role you are required to have a full UK driving licence and provide evidence of your vehicle insurance with business cover and use of a vehicle. If you are successful, you will be required to supply evidence of your licence prior to starting the role.

Should you be offered the role, as part of the pre-employment checks an Enhanced DBS will be actioned for you (unless you are on the DBS Update Service).

If you are passionate about positively impacting the local community and making a difference in the lives of vulnerable adults, and possess the skills and experience outlined above, we encourage you to apply. 

Personal Summary:

Applicants are invited to complete the personal summary section of the application, providing an opportunity to highlight their skills and expertise.

Join us in this influential role and be a part of our dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality adult social care services.

Package Description

In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:

• Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years.  In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.

• Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.

• A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.

• Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.

• Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.

Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week.  Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.

About The Organisation

Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.

We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference. 

We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.

We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.

If you’d like to know more about how we do things and what matters to us, take a look at our short booklet What makes us Milton Keynes City Council.