Head of Service - Mental Health & Disability

Overview

Position reference: /785291

Directorate: Place Health & Adult Social Care | Service:
Adult Social Care & Health

Salary: £85,038 - £93,308

Working Arrangements: Hybrid

Hours per week: 37

Contract type: Permanent

We are happy to talk flexible working arrangements with you.

Closing date: 06/02/2026 at 23:59

Important notes: This post is politically restricted. The successful candidate will be required to speak English to an appropriate standard and be available outside of normal service hours as part of a standby rota. A standardised standby payment will be made for these duties. This post requires an Enhanced DBS Check.

Overseas checks: If you have lived overseas in the last five years and are the preferred candidate, you will be required to obtain an overseas criminal records check. If you have difficulty obtaining this check, please email

Visas and sponsorship: When applying, please be prepared with the necessary legal documents, such as a valid visa. Our organisation does not possess a Home Office sponsorship license and cannot sponsor visas for skilled or temporary migrant workers.

Pensions: Pensions Regulations may affect pension payments if you return to local government service after commencing employment. Seek advice from the Pensions Authority if applicable.

About Barnsley Council: You can start a career that makes a real difference to people’s lives. This is a senior leadership role within Barnsley Council Adult Services as part of a transformational change, overseeing safe and effective care and support and managing Mental Health, DOLS & Learning Disability Services.

• Set and monitor practice standards across ASC; lead and implement learnings from the Quality Assurance Framework, thematic audits and learning loops.
• Provide expert safeguarding leadership; strengthen governance, performance, and MSP outcomes.
• Ensure robust DoLS processes and MCA practice, working closely with legal and partners.
• Demonstrate inspirational, visible, and credible leadership.
• Contribute to transformation programmes and workforce strategy, aligning improvements to the Adult Social Care Strategy and the Council 2040 Plan.
• Lead professional development via the Principal Social Worker; champion supervision, reflective practice, ASYE/Practice Education expectations.

• Leadership experience in Adult Social Care safeguarding/quality with clear impact on practice and outcomes.
• Deep knowledge of the Care Act, MCA/DoLS, and safeguarding statutory guidance; ability to lead complex risk management.
• Strong audit, governance, and improvement skills; ability to translate insights into coaching, standards and measurable change.
• Collaborative, values-driven leadership able to inspire professional communities and build multiagency partnerships.

We welcome applicants who can contribute to a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage flexible working arrangements where feasible. CVs are not accepted for this role.