Dorset Council is at the forefront of innovation in local government, taking bold steps to transform public services. We are a forward-thinking local authority committed to delivering exemplary services for children, young people and families.
As part of our ambitious journey, we are focused on strengthening Dorset’s position regionally and nationally while creating a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant environment for our residents. We are committed to delivering outstanding public services, building a dynamic economy and ensuring Dorset is a place where people can live, work, learn and thrive. We believe in the potential of our people to positively impact both our organisation and the communities we serve.
Our integrated model unites services across 6 locality teams, supported by a central team of specialists. This structure allows us to deliver on key priorities, which include:
* Best Start in Life
* Young and Thriving
* Good Care Provision
* The Best Education for All
* Delivering Locally
* Best Place to Live
* Safe at Home and in the Community
The Opportunity
We are seeking an inspirational leader to join us as the Head of Service – Provider Services.
In this pivotal role you will lead and shape Dorset’s provider services for our children in care, driving innovation and ensuring that all services meet the needs of children, young people and families as well as leading our edge of care and reunification support services.
Reporting to the Corporate Director – Care and Protection, you will ensure high-quality services for children and families in alignment with national legislative frameworks and promoting a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
This includes, but is not limited to, key areas such as:
* Residential children’s homes
* Kinship
* Fostering
* Adoption
* Services for children on the edge of care
* Reunification support services
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the strategic development and delivery of the provider provision for our children in care and those on the edge of care.
* Ensure effective safeguarding and protection for children and families in our care provision and those on the edge of care.
* Collaborate with health, education and police partners to deliver support to our care provision and those on the edge of care.
* Work closely with the Directorate extended leadership to deliver our vision and strategic direction.
* Foster a collaborative, inclusive and diverse culture of excellence, enabling flexible and responsive ways of working.
* Manage budgets effectively, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and aligned with service goals.
About You
To excel in this role, you will be a visionary and experienced leader with a strong background in children’s social care and care provision. You will have significant experience of providing leadership and management of care provision.
Essential Qualifications and Skills
* Degree level education. Relevant professional qualifications or certificate in social work, or a related field.
* Qualified Social Worker with registration or eligibility for registration with Social Work England.
* Significant experience in a leadership role within Children’s Services Social Care.
* In-depth knowledge of relevant legislative frameworks and statutory requirements.
* Proven track record in strategic planning, operational management and stakeholder arrangement.
* Good budget management skills and experience in delivering efficiencies.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
Why Join us?
We are leading the national children’s social care transformation as a Wave 1 Families First for Children Pathfinder authority.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward thinking, dynamic council, committed to improving outcomes for children and families in Dorset. As part of our team, you will help shape the future of public services in Dorset and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people.
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