Strategic Manager - Disabled Children (Dsco)

Are you an experienced strategic leader, able to inspire others to drive forward sustainable improvements?

We are looking to recruit a highly motivated, enthusiastic, knowledgeable social care practice leader who will join the team and drive forward our vision.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and families in our community and an exciting time to join us on our continued transformation journey.

As the Designated Social Care Officer you will be responsible for leading SEND across Northamptonshire Children Trust motivating and supporting the workforce in delivering a high-quality service to our children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

You will oversee the Disabled Children’s Team,  a statutory service that focuses on the most vulnerable Disabled Children and young people in Northamptonshire.

The team ensures that children and young people with substantial and long-term disabilities and complex health needs are given every opportunity to meet their full potential, enjoy the best possible quality-of-life, and are safeguarded from harm.

You will be joining an experienced and stable leadership and management team who are committed to achieving the best outcomes for children and families.
Our benefitsWe are committed to continuous improvement, building a skilled, knowledgeable, and flexible workforce alongside promoting innovation and creativity whilst keeping children, young people and families at the heart of all we do.

We really value our workforce and offer you a great benefits package including:

2 Day Induction Programme
2 days Signs of Safety training (social care colleagues)
Extensive Learning & Development and career development opportunities
Flexible and family working arrangements including enhanced maternity benefits
A permanent, supportive and inclusive management team where you will be empowered to make good professional decisions
Local government Pension Scheme
Heavily subsidised town centre car parking scheme
Employee Discount Scheme
28 days’ annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time) and an additional 5 days, after 5 years’ service
Opportunity to purchase up to 25 days
Employee Assistance Programme
Monthly quality supervision
SWE Registration paid yearly (social care colleagues)

What will you be doing?As Strategic Manager you will be responsible for leading and inspiring the Disabled Children’s team to deliver high-quality services to children, young people with disabilities. 

Your focus will be on ensuring all children and young people experience positive family life in which they are well supported to maximise their life chances; where they can thrive, are safe from any harm or abuse, have access to the best education and training, and feel prepared for adulthood.

As part of the Corporate Parenting Service senior management team you’ll be a vital link between management, commissioners, practitioners and those who make strategic decisions in partner agencies. You will be a key driver in developing and delivering the Corporate Parenting Strategy within Northamptonshire Children’s Trust in partnership with North and West Northamptonshire Councils.

You will oversee all areas of service performance and support the workforce to achieve practice that is of excellent quality and evidence based, underpinned by NCT’s practice models with the voice of the child evident in all service delivery.
About youYou  must have a BA in Social Work or Diploma in Social Work, CQSW or CSS, or other professional social work qualification recognised by Social Work England

You will be an experienced, committed, dynamic leader who wants to drive forward continued improvements in the service.

Approachable, available, and visible to the workforce you will be an inclusive leader who motivates the teams to focus on achievement and driving improvements.

You must have a comprehensive knowledge of legislation, best practice, and continuous professional development in children’s services and particularly in relation to children and young with disabilities.

Having significant experience of managing at a senior level in children’s social care you will be passionate about improving outcomes for the children and young people we support.

Working in a large organisation, you will be adept in developing innovative and creative solutions to complex problems.

You will need to have outstanding communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with both internal and external partners. Demonstratable skills in influencing decision making at a senior level is essential.
About usNorthamptonshire Children’s Trust was established in November 2020 to deliver Children’s Services to the newly established North and West Northants County Councils. The Trust is wholly owned and funded but operationally independent from the Councils; this provides the organisation with unique opportunities to explore new ways of working and to be more agile and adaptable in its approach to service delivery. We are developing a culture that allows the very highest quality of professional practice to flourish and evolve, delivering at the cutting edge of new innovation. 

For more information or to arrange an informal discussion please contact Olivia.Ives@nctrust.co.uk and she will arrange a convenient time to contact you.