An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Service for the Vulnerable Adolescent Service for Trafford Council, which includes managing our Youth Justice Service, Complex Safeguarding Service and Youth Engagement Service. As the Head of Service - Children's Services, you will be a key leader, setting high professional standards, ensuring quality practice, and driving continuous improvement. This role requires an experienced and inspiring leader who can create a relational and fair working environment while delivering strategic direction to the service. You will be responsible for overseeing the quality of services provided to children, young people, and their families while ensuring compliance with statutory responsibilities and safeguarding standards. You will also be accountable for budget management, service performance, and regional/national representation. Key Responsibilities: Assist and deputise for the Director of Early Help and Children's Social Care. Provide strategic leadership and vision for service areas and operational staff. Ensure alignment with Trafford Council's EPIC priorities. Maintain high service performance standards, setting clear targets and KPIs. Actively participate in senior management on-call rotas. Lead the identification of children at risk and ensure timely interventions. Oversee the quality assurance of service delivery, ensuring consistency and high standards. Develop staff and managers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and evidence-based practice. Lead on budget planning and financial oversight. Support Ofsted inspections, ensuring compliance with inspection frameworks. Stay updated with legislative changes and ensure their implementation. Investigate complaints and manage HR issues as required. About You To be successful in this role, you should have: Qualifications & Professional Development: Qualified Social Worker (DipSW, CQSW) with current SWE registration. Significant experience in children's social care at a senior level. Evidence of continuing professional development and leadership training. Experience & Knowledge: Strong understanding of safeguarding best practices and interventions. Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing change. Knowledge of Ofsted frameworks and inspection preparation. Proven ability to develop strategies and improve service delivery. Significant budget management experience in a public sector setting. Experience working effectively within a political environment, providing balanced guidance on strategic issues. Skills & Abilities: Excellent leadership and communication skills. Ability to analyse complex issues, develop solutions, and implement strategies. Strong performance management and quality assurance expertise. Capable of influencing and motivating teams to drive high performance. Experience managing HR-related matters, including investigations and staff development. Additional Information DBS clearance required. Politically restricted post. Flexible working required, including evenings/weekends as necessary. Willingness to travel within and outside of Trafford when required. Why Join Us? At Trafford Council, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment. We offer: A competitive salary package. Comprehensive training and development opportunities. A supportive leadership team and career progression. A strong commitment to health and wellbeing initiatives. If you are interested in this position, please send your CV to at Mayur Rabari m.rabari edenbrownsynergy.com or call on. Benefits of working with Eden Brown Synergy include: DBS check processed and paid for by Eden Brown Synergy Referral bonus if you refer a colleague or friend to us Bonus for finding your own job Twice weekly payroll Dedicated recruitment consultant who will support you throughout your job search, employment and beyond Eden Brown Synergy is an equal opportunities employer. Eden Brown Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales with registered number 3643845. Our registered address is 5th floor 4 Coleman Street, London, EC2R 5AR, part of nGAGE Specialist Recruitment Limited T/A nGAGE Talent. Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. This message is intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please send it back to us, and immediately and permanently delete it. Do not use, copy or disclose the information contained in this message or in any attachment. We take reasonable precautions to ensure no viruses are present in this email but cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage sustained as a result of computer viruses and the recipient must ensure that the email (and attachments) are virus free.