Head Of Service Corporate Parenting

We are seeking a Head of Service, Corporate Parenting to join our team here in Southend who is committed to improving outcomes for children and families and to providing excellent support to our practitioners and first line managers.

As a Head of Service, you will have excellent leadership skills, bringing an ability to balance strategic priorities and operational workload.  You will maintain high-quality services and recording whilst managing the overall performance of Service delivery. Building strong internal alliances with other senior managers across Children’s Services will complement and enhance our culture of continuous improvement. This role also has an important external element drawing on your proven skills working with partners across the system. This will draw on your communication skills, stakeholder management and commitment to relationship-based practice.

You will be committed to delivering high performing, high quality services understanding how to motivate your services and providing containment at busy times. You will be passionate about children, young people, their families, and networks, using this to lead and motivate your teams. You will understand how to manage finances effectively, ensuring value for money whilst delivering Services as a Corporate parent.

Areas of responsibility: Children in Care, Allan Cole Centre (Contact Centre) Fostering, Adoption and Leaving Care

What you need to succeed

Significant experience in children’s social work as a Social Work England registered social worker. Extensive and detailed knowledge of children’s services and an understanding of the legislative and statutory obligations relevant to such services. A natural professional curiosity, horizon scanning for upcoming legislative or policy change. Experience of commissioning and regulated accommodation for children in care and care leavers. Inspirational, credible leadership and management capabilities The ability to effectively develop and shape the provider market, achieving value for money. Experience of good oversight, governance, and administration of large budgets A desire to continuously develop themselves and others.

Find out more by clicking apply below

Please contact Simon Winspear at our recruitment partners at Hays Executive if you are considering the role and would find a conversation helpful before applying.

Mobile 07525 466 357

Email  simon.winspear@hays.com

Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment, and we welcome applications from all members of the community.

We would particularly like to encourage applications from female leaders and individuals from a multi-ethnic background, who are currently under-represented at a senior level within our organisation. At Southend, we strive to create a workplace that reflects our city, where everyone is valued and empowered to be themselves.